Islay

Islay

About Islay

Dispite the small size of the island and the limited amount of distilleries, the Hebridean island of Islay is considered as one of the most distinct whisky regions. Because of this, Islay has become a centre of "whisky tourism". The whiskies of the distilleries from Islay are known for their powerful smoky, peaty character.

Currently there are only nine Islay distilleries still active: Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Port Charlotte. The famous Port Ellen distillery closed its doors in 1983. Bruichladdich is the only distillery on the island that merely produces unpeated single malt whisky.

Flavour profile

These flavours are characteristic for this whisky region:

  • Peat
  • Smoke
  • Sweet
  • Fruit
  • Salt
  • Vanilla
  • Spice
  • Malt
  • Smoky
  • Sherry
  • Delicate
  • Strong
  • Long finish
  • Lemon
  • Amazing
  • Wood
  • Pepper
  • Oak
  • Sea
  • Complex
  • Citrus
  • Good
  • Oily
  • Dry
  • Fresh
Show more flavours

Top whiskies from Islay