Islay Whisky

The Islay region of Scotland is renowned for its distinctive and bold whisky, known for its smoky, peaty flavours and maritime influence. Located off Scotland's west coast, Islay is home to some of the world's most celebrated distilleries, producing whiskies with rich, complex character, often with notes of sea salt, iodine, and a signature smokiness. Explore the finest Islay whiskies below and experience the essence of this iconic whisky region.

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Ardbeg 25 Year Old 2023 Release

70cl
46.0% ABV

This limited-edition Ardbeg 25 Year Old Single celebrates the 2023 release of bottles filled during some of Ardbeg's darkest days. Each cask offers an exquisite, balanced flavour profile and a beguiling aroma of smoked cream and earthy bonfires.

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Lagavulin 2006 Distillers Edition Bottled 2021

70cl
43.0% ABV

The limited edition 2021 Lagavulin Distillers Edition was distilled in 2006. Langavulin’s master distiller hand selects a small number of casks for double maturation in ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks until it was bottled in 2021.

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Caol Ila Distillers Edition Islay 2022 Release

70cl
43.0% ABV

The limited edition 2022 Caol Ila Distillers Edition was double matured in specially paired Moscatel oak casks, bottled in 2022. The result is a sweet complexity to the powerful, coastal character.

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Caol Ila 2009 Distillers Edition 2021 Release

70cl
43.0% ABV

The limited edition 2021 Caol Ila Distillers Edition was distilled in 2009 and has been double-matured in ex-bodega Moscatel casks. Resulting in a rich fruitiness and complex sweetness to enhance the smoky, fresh aromas and tastes of the regular release.

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Talisker 2011 Distillers Edition Bottled 2021

70cl
45.8% ABV

Bottled in 2021, this Classic Malts Talisker Distillers Edition contains Talisker malt whisky from the 2011 vintage that received a double-maturation in ex-bodega Amoroso casks for rich and fruity sweetness that rounds out the peaty, peppery punch of the malty regular release, to create a richly rewarding and deeperstyle of...

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Douglas Laing Big Peat Blended Malt & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
46.0% ABV

Douglas Laing's Big Peat Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a unique blend of the finest Islay malts, delivering a smoky, peaty aroma and a smooth finish. Enjoy a taste of the island with this whisky, which contains elements from Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila and Port Ellen distilleries. Enjoy a...

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Douglas Laing Big Peat Beach BBQ Feis Ile 2022 & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
54.2% ABV

Released for Feis Ile 2022, Douglas Laing's Big Peat Beach BBQ edition is a cask strength small batch bottling of everyone's favourite Islay blended malt whisky. Big Peat Beach BBQ is a small batch whisky of just 3000 bottles, and has been bottled without colouring or chill filtration at its...

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Big Peat 12 Year Old Blended Malt & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
46.0% ABV

This 12 year old blended malt, made with whiskies from the Isle of Islay, delivers a familiar peaty flavour profile, with some extra depth and complexity joining the party. Bottled at 46% ABV, proudly without colouring or chill-filtration, produced in small batches. Enjoy a free branded nosing glass with the purchase of...

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Talisker Storm Single Malt & Branded Mug

70cl
45.8% ABV

Produced at the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye, Talisker Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been made by the sea since 1830, with its smell and taste instantly connecting you to its rugged maritime home. Every sip is a taste of the Isle of Skye itself, one...

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Talisker 10 Year Old & Branded Mug

70cl
45.8% ABV

One of the 'Classic Malts' of Scotland, Talisker 10 Year old is one of the most popular single malt whiskies in the world, and certainly the most famous from the Isle of Skye. Their classic 10 year old shows notes of warm fruit, peat smoke and maritime character reflective of its storm-lashed surroundings. Enjoy...

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Talisker Skye & Branded Mug

70cl
45.8% ABV

Made by the sea on the rugged Isle of Skye, Talisker Skye Single Malt Scotch Whisky is well balanced and approachable, with a lively interplay between sweetness, smoke and spice. The Talisker family all have a peated, smoky flavour. This quality comes from the peat burned during the malting process...

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Laphroaig 18 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)

50cl
52.0% ABV

This 18-year-old Laphroaig single malt has a powerful, intense sherry quality, thanks to a maturation in a Pedro Ximénez sherry octave. Enjoy the full-bodied combination of rich fruits, earthy peat, and festive spices.

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Caol Ila 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

50cl
55.5% ABV

Experience the complex character of this Caol Ila 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) single malt whisky. Aged for 14 years, this whisky is finished in an oloroso sherry octave, creating a balance of peaty salinity with citrus and spice tones. Enjoy the earthy character and smooth finish.

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Ardbeg Rare Cask No.1 9 Year Old 2020 Release

70cl
57.7% ABV

Introducing Ardbeg Rare Cask No.1 9 Year Old 2020 Release: the first in Ardbeg’s rare-cask series. This whisky was matured in Oloroso Sherry casks, then moved to American Virgin Oak, giving it notes of black pepper, sooty aromas, and chocolate fondant in the palate. This limited edition, 70 cl bottle...

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Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie

70cl
50.0% ABV

Enjoy the classic Bruichladdich house style with this Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Crafted by Master Distiller Jim McEwan with 100% Scottish barley and matured for its entire life by Lochindaal's shores in premium American and Spanish oak casks, its delicate floral notes are sure to please. Certified B Corporation, Bruichladdich...

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Arran 10 Year Old 2012 Cask 2012/0854 Private Cask Whisky

70cl
59.5% ABV

This exquisite Arran 10 Year Old 2012 Cask is an exclusive UK release that has been distilled in May 2021. Matured in an Oloroso Butt for 10 years, this single-cask bottling offers a great experience, with complexity and rich flavour. No added colour and non-chill filtered. Bottled at a healthy...

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Arran Machrie Moor Cask Strength

70cl
56.2% ABV

Machrie Moor Cask Strength Whisky- a robust and captivating single malt that embodies the wild beauty of its island home. Crafted by the renowned Arran Distillery on Scotland's Isle of Arran. Made using locally sourced barley and pristine water. Maturing in carefully chosen oak casks, it reveals enticing hints of...

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Lagg Inaugural Release Batch Three

70cl
50.0% ABV

Introducing Batch 1 of the highly anticipated Lagg Inaugural releases. Hailing from the Isle of Arran, this exquisite edition is aged in ex-Bourbon casks for a minimum of three years, it's then finished for six months in ex-red wine charred casks. This heavily peated 50PPM spirit is non-chill filtered and bottled at...

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Lagg Inaugural Release Batch Two

70cl
50.0% ABV

Presenting Batch 2 of the eagerly awaited Lagg Inaugural releases. Sourced from the captivating Isle of Arran, this expression undergoes a minimum three-year maturation in ex-Bourbon casks. To add a delightful touch, it's then finished for six months in 55L ex-Oloroso sherry Firkin casks. This well-rounded Single Malt showcases a...

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Lagg Inaugural Release Batch One

70cl
50.0% ABV

Introducing Batch 1 of the highly anticipated Lagg Inaugural releases. Hailing from the Isle of Arran, this exquisite edition is aged in ex-Bourbon casks for a minimum of three years. Crafted using Concerto barley peated to a captivating 50PPM level, it's non-chill filtered and bottled at its natural color. With...

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Port Askaig 8 Year Old

70cl
45.8% ABV

A delightful addition to the Port Askaig range, this 8-year-old single malt Scotch whisky hails from the captivating Isle of Islay. With its enjoyable smokiness and elegant character.

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Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 15 - Bottled 2021

70cl
56.5% ABV

The 15th batch of Laphroaig's 10 Year Old Cask Strength single malt! Matured in ex-bourbon casks for a decade, and bottled up at a robust 56.5% ABV, this expression is powerfully flavoursome, with loads of smoky intensity to enjoy.

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Ardbeg BizarreBQ Limited Edition 2023 Release

70cl
50.9% ABV

Experience the flavour of summer grilling with Ardbeg BizarreBQ Limited Edition 2023 Release. Created in collaboration with master distiller Dr Bill Lumsden and Christian Stevenson – also known as DJ BBQ – this expression is aged in toasted double-charred oak, Pedro Ximenez, and BBQ casks. Expect smoky aromas of ham and...

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Mac-Talla Pedro Ximenez Feis Ile 2023 Limited Release

70cl
54.6% ABV

This Mac-Talla Pedro Ximenez Feis Ile 2023 Limited Release is a special whisky that has been aged in a combination of 26 butts and hogsheads. Its complex flavour profile features jammy sweetness and peat, all balanced perfectly and bottled at 54.6%. Limited to just 792 bottles for the UK.

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Islay - The Iconic Whisky Region of Scotland

Islay, one of Scotland's most renowned whisky regions, is located on a small island off the west coast in the Inner Hebrides. Known as the "Queen of the Hebrides," Islay has a long and rich history of whisky production that stretches back hundreds of years. Despite its relatively small size, Islay has become a global destination for whisky enthusiasts, celebrated for its distinctive and bold flavours, marked by a unique peat influence and a strong sense of tradition.

The Character of Islay Whisky

Islay whiskies are renowned for their robust, smoky, and peaty character, which sets them apart from other Scotch regions. The island’s abundant peat bogs are crucial in shaping these flavours. During the whisky-making process, the peat is used to dry the malted barley, imparting strong, earthy, and sometimes medicinal notes that define Islay whisky.

In addition to the peat, the coastal location of Islay lends a maritime influence to the whiskies, often resulting in salty, briny flavours. These whiskies are complex and intense, ranging from heavily peated expressions to lighter, more balanced options, providing something for every whisky lover.

The Islay Whisky Experience

A visit to Islay is a pilgrimage for whisky lovers. The island is home to nine working distilleries, each offering a unique take on Islay’s signature style. Despite its small size, Islay produces a remarkable variety of whisky, often categorised into southern and northern producers, with slight flavour differences based on location.

Visiting Islay isn’t just about whisky; the island’s stunning natural beauty, including its rugged coastline and windswept beaches, enhances the experience. A trip here offers an immersion into a community steeped in whisky-making tradition and breathtaking landscapes.

Six of the Most Popular Islay Distilleries

Laphroaig
Laphroaig is known for producing some of the most heavily peated whiskies in the world. Its distinct flavours, characterised by medicinal, iodine, and seaweed notes, have earned it an iconic status. The Laphroaig 10-Year-Old and Quarter Cask are some of its most celebrated offerings, appealing to those who love bold, unforgettable whiskies.
Ardbeg
Ardbeg is another of Islay’s famed distilleries, producing complex and smoky whiskies with deep peat, earthy, and citrus notes. Known for its intensity, Ardbeg 10-Year-Old and Uigeadail are popular expressions that showcase the full power of Islay peat with remarkable depth and balance.
Lagavulin
Situated on Islay's southern coast, Lagavulin produces richly peated, full-bodied whiskies. The Lagavulin 16-Year-Old is a cornerstone of the distillery’s range, with its deep smoky flavours, hint of sweetness, and long, smooth finish. It's a well-loved whisky that embodies the perfect balance of peat and richness.
Bowmore
Bowmore, the oldest distillery on Islay, offers a more balanced and approachable take on Islay whisky. While still showcasing peaty notes, Bowmore whiskies often feature fruitier and more floral elements. Bowmore 12-Year-Old is an excellent example of the distillery’s ability to combine peat, citrus, and vanilla into a harmonious dram.
Bruichladdich
Bruichladdich is known for pushing boundaries and producing both unpeated and heavily peated whiskies. Its Octomore series is among the most heavily peated whiskies in the world, while its unpeated expressions highlight Islay-grown barley and the island’s terroir. Bruichladdich prides itself on innovation and local sourcing.
Caol Ila
Caol Ila is one of the largest distilleries on Islay, known for producing lighter, more accessible whiskies compared to some of its heavily peated counterparts. With notes of lemon, brine, and smoke, Caol Ila 12-Year-Old strikes a balance that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned whisky drinkers alike.

Peat and Smoke: The Hallmarks of Islay Whisky

Peat is at the heart of Islay whisky production. The island’s rich peat bogs are ancient accumulations of decomposed organic matter, primarily mosses. During whisky production, the peat is burned to dry the malted barley, releasing thick smoke that infuses the grain with the distinctive smoky flavours.

Peat levels in whisky are measured in parts per million (PPM) of phenols. Ardbeg, for instance, often reaches around 50 PPM, while Bruichladdich’s Octomore series can soar to over 100 PPM, making it one of the most intensely peated whiskies in existence.

Islay’s Coastal Influence

Islay’s location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean adds another layer of complexity to its whiskies. The salty sea air and coastal winds that sweep the island imbue the whisky with a maritime character, contributing to notes of sea salt, iodine, and seaweed.

Many distilleries age their whisky in warehouses close to the coast, where the casks can breathe in the salty air as they mature. This coastal influence enhances the whisky’s unique profile, creating a distinctive balance of smoke and brine that is synonymous with Islay whiskies.