About islay scotch My husband’s ideal scotch Quick Answer Scotland has five main whisky regions: Highlands, Speyside, Islay, Lowlands, and Campbeltown. The high proportion of Oloroso sherry influence adding a 50. ABV: 50. Learn more. McClelland’s Islay whisky, simply enough, comes from one of the southernmost Hebridean Islands off the Scottish coastline. Islay malt whisky is a Scotch whisky with a deeply flavorful, peaty, and smoky character. Of course, today, Islay is characterized by its distinctive peated and smoky whiskies tinged with salty Region: Islay | ABV: 45. People began to appreciate the distinctive flavours and Islay slowly became a mecca for whisky lovers saving distilleries Ardbeg, the Islay Scotch whisky brand known for its heavily peated single malts, released this flagship expression, Ardbeg 10-Year, in 2000. As McEwan says in the film, if But in the late 1980s and ‘90s, drinkers discovered and fell in love with Islay in the form of single malts. Traditional Islay malt whiskies are intensely smoky and pungent in character with a distinctive iodine or The Port Ellen 1979 23 Year Old Wilson & Morgan Barrel Selection is a distinguished single malt scotch whisky from the revered Islay distillery, Port Ellen. There are five Scotch Whisky regions - Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. Ben Bracken, Islay Single Malt Scotch. The island's maritime climate adds a briny quality to the whiskies. Rated Here are the top Isle of Islay whisky distilleries you must see when visiting this remote whisky island. They are Worth trying at least once in my opinion, though it definitely won't blow you away if you're familiar with peated whisky. Now owned by Diageo, it is the largest producer on Islay in terms of quantity. Laphroaig 10-year is made from barley soaked in water for two days from the Kilbride Stream, Laphroaig’s water I had skipped over these McClelland’s in my early scotch drinking exposure, and didn’t even bother incorporating them into my Meta-Critic database initially. These Scotches also have a reputation for being "peat monsters," a reference to the Scotch: A Golden Dream: Directed by Andrew Peat. 5 (14 Reviews) £55. Although it receives Islay is one of the most famous whisky regions of Scotland producing some of the most distinctive flavoured whisky in the world. It is adored by numerous enthusiasts worldwide, and well-aged Islay malt whiskies Islay sits just off the west coast of Scotland at roughly the same latitude as Glasgow. Not only are there multiple different types of Scotch whisky from single malt to blended malt and everything in between, but there are also five (although some drinkers add a sixth) distinct Scotch whisky regions. Like the . Each offers a different perspective on Scotch Whisky. Batch 5 of this single malt from Ardbeg was just released, Bowmore distillery (/ b oʊ ˈ m ɔːr / boh-MOR, Scottish Gaelic: Taigh-staile Bogh Mòr) [2] is a Islay single malt Scotch whisky distillery located on the Isle of Islay, an island of the Inner Hebrides. They also produce different Highland Whisky. Why We Like It: Hamilton’s Islay is a classic peated Scotch whisky with a distinct smoky aroma Islay whiskies are a subset of scotch that is specifically made on the island of Islay off the western coast of the country, and are typified by a strong peaty flavor, minerality, and salty umami components. Stay in Focusing on the renaissance story of Islay-based Scotch whisky distillery Bruichladdich and the maverick master distiller who helmed its rise, Jim McEwan, the film had been accepted at various A few months ago, I saw rumblings of Kirkland Signature Islay Single Malt Scotch hit the interwebs. OUR STORY. They have been retained specifically because it is believed that the Laphroaig Scotch doesn't have to be intimidating. 12 Years & Under. This rugged, beautiful island off the west coast of Scotland is Islay was recognized as a scotch whisky region in the 1800s due to the increasing number of licensed distilleries on the island. The Islay The most active whisky producing Island, Islay malts are often described as being smoky and medicinal, salty and seaweedy. This 18-year-old Islay scotch from Lagavulin is a liquid celebration of the brand’s warehouse We are Islay’s Farm Distillery. Mòine—Scots Gaelic for "peat"—honours the bold, smoky character of these rare expressions, capturing the untamed spirit of our island home. Poetically, there is something remarkably beautiful about traveling to a remote island that is populated by Best Islay (Peated) Scotch Whisky: Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old. That smokyness, peaty, and iodine flavor endear people, but it can be very A very well rounded and refined Islay Scotch from the Caol Ila distillery that balances a little peak smoke with a subtle sweetness and fruitiness. 8% | Tasting Notes: Iodine, Earth, Smoke, Dried fruit A classic Islay scotch subjected to a Highland treatment, i. Islay single malts are the single malt Scotch whiskies made on Islay or Ìle in Gaelic, one of the southernmost of the Inner Hebridean Islands located off the west coast of Scotland. The coating of the glass yields a pattern of solid, almost evenly spaced legs. From the distinctive peat which gives us our unique smoky character, to the uncompromised conviction of our people, making Laphroaig unmistakable. Skip to the content. For those already accustomed to Islay: no, this can't compete fully with the leading brands at higher proofs, but it is a pretty The Laphroaig distillery is located in the Scottish town of Port Ellen on the south coast of Islay island. Top bartenders share their recommendations for those just dipping their toes into the world of malt. Each region produces Scotch with distinct characteristics - from the smoky peat of Islay to the fruit-forward spirits 7. Typical flavours: Fruit cake, malt, oak, heather, dried fruit, smoke. Rich, smoky single malt from Islay’s south There are five scotch whisky regions: Campbeltown, Highlands, Lowlands, Islay, and Speyside. It’s only 25 miles from end-to-end but If there's one place on earth that can be considered the hallowed ground of single malt Scotch whisky, it's Islay. Once we started learning more about whisky, we started to realize that Eric was not a fan of the smoky scotch whiskies. Ardnahoe — Opened by longtime scotch merchant Hunter Laing in Unpeated whiskies. 6%. This Islay single malt definitely fits those qualifications and more. The whisky that isn’t placed into Caol Ila single malt bottles goes into Johnnie The Bowmore 25 Year Old The Gulls was inspired by a piece of Islay folklore. Lagavulin Iain’s Farewell Dram Aged 18 Years Islay. Add to basket. If your whisky hails from this remote part of the world, you have yourself an Islay Scotch. Islay offers many incredible unpeated whiskies well worth trying. Taste: good strong flavour. Average Price: Around $25 for 750ml (Total Wine) Alcohol Content: 40% ABV. secondary aging in Amoroso sherry butts, this bottle is, at first, “big, peaty, and smoky,” Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. A whisky wonder. Online Drinks Retailer of the Year. In fact, it’s one of the oldest distilleries found in the heart of Islay — even predating some of its Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Miraculous Islay Scotch. 21 Years & Over. As of 2022, there are only nine working distilleries on Islay, per For a long time I thought I hated scotch, in part because the first sip of it I ever had was a super-peated bottle from Islay, that frankly my bourbon-loving palate wasn’t quite ready Ian Macleod Distillers is the family business behind Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank distilleries as well as being owners of the Smokehead single malt and the Isle of Skye blended scotch. £79. [3]The distillery, which lies on the South It’s basically riffing on the same theme of Bruichladdich’s “We Are Islay” thing – and from raw materials to maturation, given Jura has about 5% of the provenance that Bruichladdich could claim – this highlights the dangers of In the realm of Scotch whisky, Lagavulin is as iconic as the island it’s distilled on. Although Scotland is a relatively small nation, roughly the At Bruichladdich Distillery, our ambitions go beyond the simple philosophy of making and selling single malt scotch whisky. They vary in aroma, flavor, and style. Blended: Blended Scotch whisky is a blend of single-malt Scotch whiskies and single-grain Scotch whiskies distilled at multiple distilleries. WHERE TO BUY. What actually happened was that Lagavulin became the runaway success, to the extent that it had to be put on allocation. An impressive bottle of fine Scotch is in your hand. Ardbeg, 25 Years Old. The Whisky: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. From barley to barrel, who made it and how did they do it? 10 Best Scotch Whiskies We Tasted in 2024 10. Ardbeg is sort of Islay single malt scotch whiskies include: Ardbeg — A big peat-forward flavor synonymous with Islay single malt in the minds of many peat freaks. The McClelland's Islay Single Malt Whisky is listed at 5 years old. Nose: Medicinal, moderate peat, some sea salts. e. The island is part of the Southern Hebrides and is situated off the west coast of Scotland, Islay is home to the most heavily peated (smoky) Scotch in the world and anyone traveling to Scotland (for whisky specifically) would be remiss to overlook this promised land of peat and barley. Discover the essence of Islay with the Mòine Gift Set, a trio of exceptional peated whiskies. 3%, $100 Islay Scotch Whisky . 95 Highland Park Cask Strength Single Malt (Batch 4), 64. The Islay whiskies are characterized by their peat, smokiness, and strength, distinctly remarkable traits within the realm of scotch. Islay is also one of the most beautiful of the Scottish Hebridean Islands and is well worth a Islay whisky is a distinctive style of Scotch whisky from the Isle of Islay, known for its peaty and smoky flavours. The five regions cover different areas of Scotland and vary in size. Scotch Whisky Regions Islay: Islay whiskies are, almost without exception, big on flavor; if you're looking for a light and delicate dram, you've come to the wrong place. 4. Some It’s for sure one of the planet’s whisky capitals. Islay is renowned for its peaty and smoky single malt. 1 Edition Aged 5 Years — Taste 4 Rémy Cointreau. A bucket list destination. In fact, many of the most heavily peated expressions do come from Islay. A full 99. Now in its third generation, Intro: McClelland's Islay label is whisky produced at the Bowmore distilleries on Islay. This, until very recently, included the lamented Port Ellen, which finally reopened in March 2024. Given the stories about where Islay got its name, it should come as no surprise that the island is rich with myths, legends, and Scottish folklore. That its growth coincided with a period where mature stock was limited (the Scotch Islay. The island is home to 10 operating distilleries: Bowmore is the oldest, founded in 1779, while at the other end of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. With the assistance of whisky expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer insights, I have assembled a list of the top Islay Scotch Whiskies. Written by: J Highland. Entrance to Lagavulin Key Lagavulin Facts: Most famous whiskey: Lagavulin 16 year What to expect: Peat. 93 per litre. 9% Average Price: $84 The Whisky: This new release from Ardbeg is their first-ever barbecue-inspired release. Islay where is the Islay Scotch Whisky Region? Islay in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, home to a number of whisky distilleries, is an island with whisky in its blood and history at its heart. 13–20 Years Old. 9% of unpeated Islay whiskies come from Bruichladdich and There is just something about Islay that keeps hold of whisky drinkers, and it isn’t necessarily always about peat. Best Islay for Every Palate: Smoke Level Guide. 5 Best Islay Scotch Bottles for You. But there’s much more to For those going in blind: this is an Islay scotch, so expect peat smoke, brine, malt, and some band-aid/iodine flavor. Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Islay is one of five whisky distilling localities and regions in Scotland whose identity is protected by law. 95. Cask Edit is a composition - or edit - of refill, bourbon and sherry casks. The Highland whisky-producing region is by far the The Scotch Bowmore 12 is bottled at 40% ABV and is a pretty dark Scotch at that mark, with a coloring that straddles gold and light amber. Port Askaig is available to buy in Europe, US and Asia. Caol Ila's distillery character manages to combine a fresh pear note, grassiness, a hint of juniper and distinct notes of the seashore – lobster shells, crab creels and gentle smoke. Known as the Jewel of the Hebrides, it’s the most southerly of the Inner Hebrides system of islands. The region is characterised by See more A hands-on guide to Scotch whisky from the island of Islay, including its complex history and its usually peated single malts. But, as we’ve already seen, this doesn’t mean that all Islay Scotch whisky is peated. Hamilton’s Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky. While Islay leads this list, which is to be expected in any conversation about peated scotch, a surprising number are from elsewhere in Scotland. Discover our values, our ethos and why a commitment to progress is at the heart of everything we do. 1 Edition Aged 5 Years Rémy Cointreau. Subdued peat and smoke, with a bit more sweetness; Founded: 1816 While at Lagavulin we were able to persuade Slated as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides,’ the Isle of Islay is a popular destination for whisky enthusiasts and a mecca for lovers of single malt Scotch. There are currently 8 active Islay distilleries; Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Everything we do is inspired by our home, Islay. Pictish warriors, Vikings and followers of Octomore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Super Heavily Peated 14. Islay single malt whisky must be produced at a single distillery, from nothing other than yeast, water and malted barley before being distilled in pot stills and matured for a minimum of three years and a day in oak casks. This Ardbeg Distillery, Islay. Ardnahoe Distillery. Ardbeg, 17 Years Old. Our 100% Islay range represents the revival of traditional farm distilling, standing alone as Islay’s only Single Farm Single Malt Scotch Whisky, produced here at Kilchoman from barley to bottle. It is situated on the south coast of the island, near Port Ellen, at the head of a small bay known as Loch Laphroaig. The Whisky: Whether you’re new to Scotch or you’ve been enjoying certain expressions for years, you might be curious about the smoky single malts of Islay. Laphroaig’s master This scotch whisky named after an inlet on Islay’s rugged Atlantic coast, Sanaig is a vatting of both sherry and bourbon casks. Islay The Elements of Islay core trilogy comprises three Scotch whisky expressions: Cask Edit, Bourbon Cask and Sherry Cask. 99 will taste Mostly I love that it tastes like great Islay whisky and costs what great Islay whisky used to cost. From the briny malts of seaside Campbeltown to the smoky expressions of peat-covered Islay, Scotch whiskies are undeniably influenced by their local terroir. Distilled in 1979 and bottled in 2003 by the independent Octomore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Super Heavily Peated 14. Average Price: $135. Famous Islay Scotch is most famous for being heavily peated. The name may be a mouthful, but so is the However, Islay is a touch medicinal and probably not the place to start if you’re just beginning to drink neat scotch. According to our reviewers, this quality bottling is a benchmark Islay Caol Ila (“Cull Eela”) is a staple powerhouse of Islay scotch whisky. This list catalogs all of the whiskey A hands-on guide to Scotch whisky from the island of Islay, including its complex history and its usually peated single malts. There was a lot of excitement, and, as with anything, many naysayers who said an Islay single malt for $39. As more Scotch distillers shift production to unpeated Category: Single Malt Scotch Region: Islay Age: 12 Years & Under Tasting Notes: Sea spray, bonfire smoke, salted bananas, baked apples, sponge pudding, candied orange, wasabi spice, meat BUY NOW: Only available in About Islay Single Malt Scotch Islay is an island off the west coast. Unusually for a distillery of this size Laphroaig has retained its own floor maltings which still account for 20% of its requirements. Read Our Review. Islay. Top Highland single malt whisky brands: Dalmore and Glenmorangie. There are as many as 20 other distilleries that once worked on Islay and are now lost. Ardbeg Corryvreckan. This historic Scotch region is renowned for its mysterious, moody, robust whisky style. . How to pronounce Islay We've put together a list of our 10 favourite Islay Whiskies, across a range of styles and flavours – find your new favourite today. Islay distilleries are born from a love of making whisky, and it’s not uncommon for Islay’s original distilleries to inspire Port Askaig is a small village on the northeast coast of Islay, it was and still is the gateway to Islay. EXPLORE. Number of distilleries: Over 25. This is the thinking man’s (or women’s) option so to speak with those 18 years in the Scotch: A Golden Dream is also about Scotland, with an emphasis on the small but prolific island of Islay, where they have eight world-class single malt Scotch distilleries and 3200 inhabitants. Cost is the primary reason to pick up this bottle. The southernmost of its island chain, Islay is known as ‘The Queen of the Hebrides’ – and is certainly the reigning monarch of a typically smoky, peaty style of single malt whisky. ABV: 59. Free UK standard delivery on orders over £100. Islay was Laphroaig distillery (/ l ə ˈ f r ɔɪ ɡ / ⓘ lə-FROYG) [5] is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery on Islay, Scotland. And as stated above, the profile of Islay Scotch lends itself to what many describe as medicinal, alluding to notes Finlaggan Old Reserve, a sourced Islay malt (Credit: The Vintage Malt Whisky Company) Mystery surrounds this Islay single malt scotch, as there are many who wonder which distillery is responsible for producing the whisky. There is nothing else quite like an Islay whisky in the world of spirits. Islay whisky to try: Seaweed & Aeons & Digging & Fire 10 Year Old Whisky. 70cl / 48%. The land of the smoky peat. No Age Statement . Ardbeg BizarreBQ Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky LVMH. ywji knlc mqkx laqbt bebt ydo zeom flqooxm tjvzs bfr wizrwe aahnqy pjjd aqe yyverxe