If there's one place on earth that can be considered the hallowed ground of single malt Scotch whisky, it's Islay. This rugged, beautiful island off the west coast of Scotland is home to some of the most renowned distilleries in the world. Each distillery on Islay contributes to the island's reputation for producing whiskies with distinct and memorable flavour profiles. Join us as we take a conversational stroll through Islay's distilleries, uncovering what makes each of them and their whiskies so special.
Understanding Islay Whiskies
Islay whiskies are famed for their strong peaty flavours, a result of the local peat used in the malting process. However, this isn't the whole story. Across the island, distilleries produce a range of flavours from fiercely smoky to sweetly floral, demonstrating the versatility and depth of Islay single malts. Let’s explore the distilleries behind these evocative flavours.
What are Duncan and Mike's favourite Islay distilleries?
Mike is a huge Laproaig fan, which is where his whisky journey started! Duncan loves the Ardbeg core range, Port Charlotte 10, and both have a soft spot for Bunnahabhain, due to it's coastal, gentle and fruity / sweet nature. it's the only one where the core age statement edition does not have peat in it.
We did a podcast episode with Brian aka @maltmusings covering some of his highlights from touring Islay distillieries. You can listen here.
Laphroaig
Our first stop is Laphroaig. This distillery is renowned for producing one of the most strongly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies, characterised by its medicinal, smoky, and seaweed notes. These intense flavours stem from its location next to the sea and the high moss content of its peat. Key flavours: medicinal, seaweed, peat smoke.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whisky
"This is incredibly scotchy, and in the best sort of ways. The peaty-ness is divine, but is something that definitely takes getting used to for the Irish whiskey drinkers.... Something me and my father enjoy together."
Review from Master of Malt, edited.
Lagavulin
Next, we venture to Lagavulin, a distillery with a cult following thanks to its rich, full-bodied whiskies. Lagavulin’s flavour is heavily peated yet remarkably refined, with a balance of sweet and salty notes. This is a whisky that demands your attention and rewards it with layers of complexity. Key flavours: peat smoke, sweetness, maritime saltiness.
Lagvulin 8 year old whisky is sometimes as low as £38 on Amazon is 48% abv and outstanding value.
The iconic Lagavulin 16 year old whisky has a lower abv of 43% and brings sweetness to the medicinal peat smoke bomb. It is generally £60 to £80, which is a wide range, so look for the prices to be in the £60's ideally.
Ardbeg
Ardbeg offers a slightly different take on the peaty Islay whisky. Known for its heavily peated, smoky character, it also introduces elements of citrus and sweetness, giving it a unique complexity. The distillery itself is a place of camaraderie and tradition, adding to the allure of its whiskies. Key flavours: peat smoke, citrus, sweet.
Ardbeg 10 year old whisky can be picked up for around £40 to £45, from various supermarkets and online retailers.
"Good flavour and strength. Up there with some of the best. In my top 3 and will hold that spot."
Review from Waitrose Cellar, edited.
Ardnahoe
Founded in 2018, Arnahoe Dsitllery is owned by Hunter Laing, and uses worm tubs which impart a fuller, meatier flavour into the whisky. The lynn arms that connect the still to the condensers are the longest in Scotland, so there are a few unique elements, and the thought that has gone into the new make spirit. The Inaugural release was a 5 year, at 50% blended with bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. flavours: green and white fruits, citrus and soft peat smoke.
The Inaugural Arnahoe whisky is a 5 years old single malt and costs around £70.
Bowmore
Established in 1779, Bowmore is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Its whiskies provide a balancing act between the peaty, smoky notes Islay is famous for and a lighter floral, fruity essence. This balance makes Bowmore a great introduction to Islay malts. Key flavours: peat smoke, floral, fruity.
Duncan says:
"Bowmore 12 Year Old Whisky only comes in at an abv of 40%, which compared to 46% whiskies, means it comes in a bit thin, and packs less flavour. The character is there, but this will seem very gentle compared to an Ardbeg 10 or Lagavulin 8."
Bowmore 12 year old whisky replaced the 10 year old, and it ranges from £30 to £37.
Bruichladdich
Bruichladdich is known for its experimental approach to whisky making, often challenging traditional Islay conventions. Their range includes the heavily peated Port Charlotte and the unpeated The Classic Laddie, showcasing the distillery’s diverse flavour profiles. Key flavours: from unpeated floral and fruity to heavily peated and maritime.
Port Charlotte 10 year old, also known as PC10, is a 50% peated coastal banger. It ranges from £50 to £60 in price and is a strong recommend, if you can go beyond £50. The Classic Laddie is a iconic bottle now, which the turqooise / light blue and the unpeated whisky, which is also 50% comes in at £35 to £47.
Bunnahabhain
Last but not least, Bunnahabhain stands out for its notably milder mannered whiskies. The distillery’s location on the north coast allows it to produce softer, less peated malts with a nuanced complexity. Fruit, nuts, and a gentle maritime influence define their spirits. Key flavours: soft peat, fruit, nuts.
The legendary Bunna! Known for being unpeated, and having a gentler style, with sweetness intertwined with the saltiness from being by the sea, brought from the location, plus the ex-bourbon and sherry cask blending (yes, single malts are still blends of casks from that distillery!)
Bunnahabhain 12 year old whisky still has the hearts of all who have tried it. Like Speyside distilleries, but want to try something from Islay - start here. You can buy it from £38 to £50. At an abv of 46.3% with a combo of vanilla, caramel, spice, fruit and floral notes, and a faint hint of smoke - it doesn't disappoint.
Caol Ila
Caol Ila, the hidden gem of Islay whiskies, produces a spirit that’s both peated and fresh. With its lighter style, Caol Ila introduces a delicate balance of peat smoke with hints of green fruit and a whisper of the sea air, making its whiskies both approachable and complex. Key flavours: light peat smoke, green fruit, sea air.
Caol Ila 12 year old is the entry point here, a light, salty, aromatic dram with an abundance of smoke and citrus notes. It's 43%, so a good whisky to show how even an extra 3% abv can improve a whisky, and comes in at £45 to £52. Caol Ila owned by Diageo, produces a lot of volume each year and so the best route to enjoy Caol Ila is from one of the many independent companies that bottle and sell single casks or small batches.
Kilchoman
The newcomer to the scene, Kilchoman, has quickly made a name for itself. This farm distillery controls every aspect of production, resulting in whisky that’s deeply rooted in Islay’s terroir. Their expressions are heavily peated yet remarkably smooth, with a mix of sweetness and spice. Key flavours: peat smoke, sweet, spicy.
It feels like the new kid on the block, but actually has been around now since 2005. The core range sherried Kilchoman Sanaig is a great way to get into the distillery, and ranges from £48 to £57.
Laphroaig
Our first stop is Laphroaig. This distillery is renowned for producing one of the most strongly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies, characterised by its medicinal, smoky, and seaweed notes. These intense flavours stem from its location next to the sea and the high moss content of its peat. Key flavours: medicinal, seaweed, peat smoke.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whisky
"This is incredibly scotchy, and in the best sort of ways. The peaty-ness is divine, but is something that definitely takes getting used to for the Irish whiskey drinkers.... Something me and my father enjoy together."
Review from Master of Malt, edited.
Lagavulin
Next, we venture to Lagavulin, a distillery with a cult following thanks to its rich, full-bodied whiskies. Lagavulin’s flavour is heavily peated yet remarkably refined, with a balance of sweet and salty notes. This is a whisky that demands your attention and rewards it with layers of complexity. Key flavours: peat smoke, sweetness, maritime saltiness.
Lagvulin 8 year old whisky is sometimes as low as £38 on Amazon is 48% abv and outstanding value.
The iconic Lagavulin 16 year old whisky has a lower abv of 43% and brings sweetness to the medicinal peat smoke bomb. It is generally £60 to £80, which is a wide range, so look for the prices to be in the £60's for a better value purchase.
Why Islay Distilleries Stand Out
The distilleries of Islay are much more than just producers of whisky; they are custodians of history, tradition, and innovation. The island's unique climate, peat, and water supply contribute to the distinctive flavours found only in Islay malts. Each distillery, with its own heritage and approach to whisky making, adds to the rich tapestry of tastes and aromas that make Islay whiskies truly stand apart.
So, whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of Scotch whisky, Islay offers an adventure for the senses. The intense peat, the smooth sweetness, the briny notes of the sea – all combine to make a sip of Islay whisky not just a drink, but an experience. As you explore these distilleries and their unique whiskies, remember that each glass tells a story of its own, a tale of tradition, community, and craftsmanship that has been handed down through generations.
Embarking on Your Islay Journey
Islay awaits those willing to embark on a journey of discovery. Whether you plan to visit the island in person or explore its whiskies from afar, your adventure into Islay malts will be rewarding. Each distillery visit offers insights into the artistry behind the spirit and connects you to the land and its people. But even from the comfort of your home, tasting through Islay’s distinct offerings can transport you to this magical island, one dram at a time.
If you want to check how to pronounce Scotch whisky distilleries names, we have created a guide to saying them all correctly - check it out!
Remember, the heart of Islay beats in every bottle, crafted with expertise and passion. So raise a glass to Islay, its distilleries, and the incredible spectrum of flavours they offer. Sláinte!