Whisky Regions: Islay

Discover Islay Whisky: The Islay region is named after the tiny Hebridean island of Islay, where all of the region’s whisky is produced. Islay has perhaps one of the strongest identities of all of the regions, being world-renowned for producing smoky, peated whisky.

1 minutePublished Jul 25 2024
Whisky Regions: Islay

Islay

The Islay region is named after the tiny Hebridean island of Islay, where all of the region’s whisky is produced. Islay has perhaps one of the strongest identities of all of the regions, being world-renowned for producing smoky, peated whisky.

History

Peated whisky has been produced here since the 18th century. There are very few trees on the island but an abundance of peat beds – covering almost a quarter of the land mass. Peat is used as a fuel source in kilns to malt the barley, resulting in a whisky with a smoky taste and aroma.

Flavour Profile

The Islay region’s peated whiskies have a robust character with a flavour that can be described as smoky, earthy, and often medicinal.

Notable Distilleries

Some of the best-known single malt whiskies include Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Lagavulin and Laphroaig.

One to try: Bowmore 12-Year-Old. A cornerstone of the Bowmore range, the Bowmore 12-year-old brims with an earthy peat flavour which is beautifully balanced with delicate floral notes, before a long smoky and citrussy finish.

About the Author
Daniel Milne founded Still Spirit in 2020, alongside his brother Craig, following the successful launch of Whisky Hammer in 2015. Growing up in Macduff, on the edge of the Speyside region in Scotland, the Milne brothers were surrounded by the sights, sounds, and aromas of whisky production from an early age - shaping their appreciation for the craft.

Continue reading

Whisky Regions: Campbeltown Nav Arrow Right

Whisky Regions: Campbeltown

Whisky Regions: Highland Nav Arrow Right

Whisky Regions: Highland

View all blog articles