Living Souls Williamson 13 Year Old Review: A quietly confident Islay malt where balance, not volume, does the talking
There’s a moment with some whiskies where you stop analysing and just nod. Not because they’ve blown your head off, but because everything feels exactly where it should be.
That’s the space this Living Souls Williamson 13 occupies.
It doesn’t lean on shock-value peat or brute-force ABV to make its point. Instead, it settles into a measured, coastal rhythm — salt, smoke, sweetness, and malt moving together with a sense of control that feels intentional rather than accidental.
Living Souls has carved out a clear identity as an independent bottler that values drinkability and distillery character over extremes. Their releases tend to be thoughtfully assembled rather than engineered to impress on first sip, and this 13-year-old Williamson is very much in that mould.
As with most whiskies bearing the Williamson name, the source is of this whisky is Laphroaig Distillery. While the label can’t say it outright, the coastal salinity, medicinal undertones, and unmistakable Islay DNA are all here — just presented with restraint and polish rather than raw force.
This is Islay whisky for people who enjoy listening as much as shouting.
Tasting Notes: Living Souls Williamson 13 Year Old
Stats
- Age: 13 Years Old
- ABV: 46% (92 Proof)
- Distillery: Laphroaig
- Region: Islay
- Flavour Profile: Smoke & Storm
- Chill-Filtration: No
- Colouring: No
Nose
Fresh and coastal right from the start.
Sea spray and brine lead confidently, followed by clean vanilla and bright citrus. Orange zest takes centre stage, with a touch of lime sharpening the edges. There’s an inviting bakery note underneath — freshly baked shortbread, warm butter, and gentle cereal sweetness.
Salted liquorice ties everything together, bridging the maritime and sweet elements beautifully. The peat stays measured here, more atmospheric than dominant, allowing the other aromas room to breathe.
Palate
The palate confirms what the nose promises: balance first, intensity second.
Salted liquorice arrives immediately, joined by salmiak and a steady wave of coastal brine. From there, the whisky opens up into softer, richer territory — barrel-aged maple syrup adds depth, while streaky smoked bacon brings a savoury edge without tipping into heaviness.
Sweet notes of cherry bonbons and orange bitters follow, adding contrast and lift. The peat never overwhelms; it supports rather than commands, letting the flavours remain clearly defined and well-integrated.
Finish
Medium-long and quietly satisfying.
The 46% ABV holds things just slightly in check, but what’s here is thoroughly enjoyable. Salmiak lingers alongside manuka honey and warm oatmeal porridge, giving the finish a comforting, malt-forward quality. The mouthfeel stays pleasantly viscous, leaving a gentle sweetness and soft smoke that fade at their own pace.
What Makes This Whisky Stand Out
This Williamson 13 stands out because it doesn’t try to stand out.
Rather than chasing peat intensity or cask-driven drama, it focuses on coherence. Every element — salt, smoke, sweetness, and malt — feels intentionally placed. The decision to bottle at 46% keeps the experience composed and accessible, allowing the spirit’s coastal character to remain front and centre.
It’s a whisky built on confidence, not bravado.
Food Pairing
This dram handles both savoury and sweet pairings with ease.
Some particularly rewarding combinations:
- Smoked almonds or lightly salted nuts
- Cured meats such as prosciutto or speck
- Rice pudding or oat-based desserts
- Crème brûlée, where caramelised sugar mirrors the whisky’s sweet-savoury balance
Who Is This Whisky For?
- Islay fans who enjoy peat without excessive smoke
- Drinkers who value balance and integration over raw power
- Those curious about Laphroaig-style spirit in a more restrained presentation
If you’re chasing high-proof intensity or aggressive peat, this may feel a little polite. But if balance and drinkability matter, it delivers exactly what it sets out to do.
Verdict
Strengths
- Well-integrated, clearly defined flavours
- Excellent balance between peat, salt, and sweetness
- Salmiak note is particularly satisfying
- Pleasant, lingering mouthfeel
Weaknesses
- Intensity slightly limited by the 46% ABV
- Balance comes at the expense of deeper complexity
- Peat lovers seeking impact may want more punch
Final Thoughts
The Living Souls Williamson 13 Year Old is a whisky that knows exactly what it wants to be.
It doesn’t posture, it doesn’t overreach, and it doesn’t rely on volume to make its case. Instead, it delivers a composed, coastal Islay experience where peat, salt, sweetness, and malt work together with quiet assurance.
For drinkers who value balance, texture, and clarity of character, this is a deeply enjoyable dram — one that rewards patience rather than demanding attention.
