The 2008 Islay barley harvest is bringing a smile to Duncan's face and a twinkle in his eye.

After all the logistical nightmares of harvest time -  the variable weather, the lorries, trailers, combines and ferries - finally, the er, proof of the pudding.

Duncan reports we are getting an encouraging 408 OLA's per tonne - more than the 2007 harvest - and more than the maltings themselves forecasted.

But it's a fine balance and yield alone, while economically encouraging, is not the only yardstick of success. Fermentation is more rapid than usual, despite the cold weather we are experiencing, while this may help out with the day to day planning of the distillation team, it may be that we reduce the yeast levels further to extend the time spent in fermentation. An intriguing situation.

Qualitatively, initial reports look encouraging but more on that after Jim's more thorough tasting next week. So far the best results are from Coull Farm and The Glebe on Islay House Farm.