Islay
Islay whisky
The smoky, maritime heart of Scotch.
Islay (eye-luh) is a small island off Scotland's west coast with an outsized reputation. It is the spiritual home of peated Scotch — whiskies built on smoke, sea spray and iodine that inspire fierce loyalty and just as much bewilderment in the uninitiated.
The peat cut from Islay's bogs is rich in coastal, maritime matter, and drying the malted barley over its smoke stamps the spirit with the island's signature: bonfire ash, brine, seaweed and medicinal, almost antiseptic notes. Not every Islay malt is a peat monster, though — Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain show the island can whisper as well as roar.
What Islay whisky tastes like
Peat smoke, brine, iodine and seaweed up front; a warming, oily sweetness underneath. Finishes are long, ashy and coastal.
Where to start
New to the region? Bowmore and Caol Ila sit in the approachable middle; work up to Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardbeg once you've found your footing.
Islay distilleries (10)
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