Celebrating Single Malt Whisky from Scotland’s Islands Region
Scotland’s islands, with their rugged coastlines and dramatic landscapes, are steeped in a rich whisky-making heritage. Covering a huge geographical area, from the Isle of Arran in the southwest, all the way up to windswept Orkney in the northeast, the island distilleries produce single malt whiskies that are often peaty with a touch of coastal salinity.
Yet, as important as they are, the islands of Scotland do not form an official Scotch whisky region in their own right, instead, they make up a sixth unofficial region.
The Islands - The Unofficial Sixth Region
Back in 2009, Scotch Whisky Regulations laid out a new legal framework for the definition and protection of Scotch whisky. As part of these regulations, five protected localities (or regions) - Highland, Lowland, Islay, Speyside, and Campbeltown - were officially recognised.
The Scottish islands were not designated as an official whisky region due to the relatively small number of distilleries scattered across Scotland's 900 islands. The Scotch Whisky Association determined that this did not warrant the creation of a separate region. Instead, the islands (except for the Isle of Islay) became a sub-category of the Highland region.
Today, the islands are thought of by many to be a region in their own right due to their unique cultures, traditions and communities.
Let’s take a look at some of the islands and their key distilleries.
Isle of Arran
Often called ‘Scotland in miniature’ due to its diverse geology, the Isle of Arran is a picturesque island located in the Firth of Clyde.
Arran Distillery
Arran Distillery is renowned for producing exceptional single malt Scotch whisky. Established in 1994, this independent distillery produces whisky made by traditional distilling methods and draws purified water from the remote Loch na Davie.
One to try:
Arran 10-Year-Old single malt Scotch whisky is a vibrant, well-balanced expression which is a perfect example of the character of the Isle of Arran. Bursting with notes of fresh citrus, creamy vanilla, and sweet orchard fruits, it finishes with a touch of spice and oak.
Lagg Distillery
Located in a steep wooded glen on the southern tip of Arran, Lagg Distillery produces richly peated single malt whisky. Established in 2019, it was the second distillery ever built on Arran and embraces modern innovation while honouring traditional whisky-making techniques.
One to try:
Lagg Corriecravie Edition single malt Scotch whisky is a rich and robust single malt only bottled in limited quantities once a year. It embodies a smoky character with its layers of earthy peat, dark chocolate, and red berries, delivering a bold and complex flavour with a lovely warm finish.
Isle of Jura
Nestled in the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Jura is an untamed beauty renowned for its wild mountainous landscapes, red deer population, and extensive peatlands.
Jura Distillery
Jura Distillery has been crafting distinctive single malt whiskies since 1963. Known for its remote location and community spirit, the distillery produces smooth, versatile whiskies with subtle smoke and hints of fruit and aromatic spice.
One to try:
Jura 16-Year-Old (Perspective No.1) is a refined single malt whisky, matured in American oak and part finished in Oloroso sherry casks. It offers a rich palette of honeyed almond, tangy citrus, and warm spice, culminating in a smooth, elegant finish.
Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull, situated in the Inner Hebrides, is renowned for its colourful harbourside town of Tobermory, dramatic landscapes, diverse plant species and abundant wildlife.
Tobermory Distillery
Tobermory Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, dating back to 1798. Known for its vibrant innovation and creativity, it produces two distinct single malts: the fruit-forward Tobermory and the peated, and multi-award winning, Ledaig.
One to try:
Ledaig 10-Year-Old is a bold and peaty single malt, matured in American ex-bourbon casks. It bursts with plumes of rich, earthy smoke, dried fruit and vanilla, with a lingering white pepper and sea salt finish.
Isle of Skye
The remote Isle of Skye, the largest in the Inner Hebrides, is known for its mountainous landscape, waterfalls, rugged coastlines, and rich Gaelic heritage.
Talisker Distillery
Talisker Distillery is world renowned for its bold, peaty single malts, infused with a distinctive maritime character. Founded in 1830, it stands as the oldest operational distillery on the Isle of Skye, embodying nearly two centuries of whisky-making tradition.
One to try:
Talisker The Distillers Edition (2022) is a refined single malt, matured in charred oak casks and finished in Amoroso sherry casks. Its rich, smoky flavour is complemented by layers of dried fruit, spice, and a subtle maritime edge, offering a complex, smooth finish.
Isle of Raasay
The Isle of Raasay, the smallest of the islands in the Hebrides, is a popular destination for hikers, offering exceptional views, tranquil beauty and rich history.
Raasay Distillery
Opened in 2017, Raasay Distillery uses local water, and diverse cask finishes to produce nuanced single malts. With its breathtaking views and commitment to sustainability, Raasay captures the unique essence of its rugged island home.
One to try:
The Isle of Raasay Signature Single Malt is made from peated and unpeated whisky and matured separately in a mixture of Bordeaux wine, rye, and virgin oak casks. It delivers a balance of dark fruits, honeyed sweetness, and a subtle smoky character.
Isle of Harris
The Isle of Harris, part of the Outer Hebrides, is known for its stunning sandy beaches, rugged hills, and its world-renowned Harris tweed.
Isle of Harris Distillery
Opened in 2015, The Isle of Harris Distillery was established as a ‘social distillery’, providing much-needed employment for the island residents, of which there are less than 2000. The distillery produces both gin and single malt Scotch whisky.
One to try:
The Hearach 2024 Release is a celebration of Isle of Harris craftsmanship. This single malt whisky offers layers of rich toffee, peat smoke, citrus zest, and gentle maritime notes, finishing with a smooth, warming essence of oak and spice.
Orkney
Orkney, a northern archipelago off of the north coast of mainland Scotland is known for its Neolithic treasures, sweeping seascapes, and unique culture shaped by Norse and Scottish influences.
Highland Park Distillery
Located in Kirkwall, Orkney, Highland Park Distillery is renowned for its commitment to traditional whisky-making techniques, including the use of floor maltings. Founded in 1798, it balances smoky peat with sweet heather honey flavours, crafting whiskies with exceptional depth and complexity.
One to try:
Highland Park 18-Year-Old (Viking Pride) 2021 Batch is a masterful single malt, offering rich honeyed sweetness, ripe cherries, and a hint of smoke. This multi award-winning whisky is matured in sherry-seasoned oak and delivers a balanced flavour profile with a smooth, lasting finish.
From smoky and peaty to lighter and fruitier profiles, the island distilleries produce Scotch whisky which is a product of its community, natural surroundings and the traditional methods use to craft them. Beyond whisky, these islands offer breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, making them a must-visit destination for whisky enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
