Islay

Islay Scotch Whisky

You may not see the peat smoke rise from the island as you arrive by ferry or smell that distinctive aroma as you drive around the island, but it certainly dominates what we know about Islay whiskies. At only 25 miles long this west coast island certainly punches well above its weight when it comes to producing famous Scotch. This once isolated island kept on producing peat for the local communities while other regions in Scotland had turned their backs on this ancient source of fuel. Today it is the same peat that provides the unique flavours to many of the islands most famous drams, with the sea air adding its subtle influence. Famous names such as Laphroaig, Bowmore and Lagavulin seems to exude a peat aroma. Islay is also not being left behind when it comes to the opening of new distilleries around Scotland, as the popularity of smoky whiskies continues and drives demand for new distilleries on the island. It has even led to the reopening of a once lost legend, Port Ellen. Some of the most characterful Scottish whiskies from one its most characterful islands.