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.

388 products

Sort

Sold Out

Jura Journey Single Malt - No Box

70cl
40.0% ABV

Introducing Jura Journey - More Than A Whisky! It’s the journey, not the destination that shapes us. The path from Jura's foundation to the rebirth of their distillery in 1963 has shaped the character of our community and the whisky we produce. Within Jura Journey, embrace subtle smoke and...

View product

Sold Out

Kilchoman Machir Bay 20cl Small Bottle

20cl
46.0% ABV

A 20cl bottle of Kilchoman's ongoing Machir Bay whisky. The whisky is a vatting of whiskies that have been matured in first-fill bourbon casks for approximately six years. After being combined, the whisky was finished in oloroso sherry butts before being bottled.

View product

Sold Out

Talisker Skye Single Malt - No Box

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...

View product

Sold Out

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt - No Box

70cl
40.0% ABV

Laphroaig 10 gets its distinctive taste from the natural features of Islay, the remote and rugged island off the West Coast of Scotland where the whisky is made. Local water is sourced from the legendary Kilbride Stream, and the malted barley is cold-smoked then dried over a fire fuelled...

View product

Sold Out

Arran Founder's Reserve Old Bottling

70cl
43.0% ABV

Arran Founder's Reserve was one of the very first bottlings from Arran distillery, widely assumed to have been assembled from casks of the 1995 vintage, and delivered to members of the Founder's Club in 2001. Although youthful and lacks complexity it has an impressively distinct distillery character that would develop...

View product

Sold Out

Octomore 8 Year Old Edition 10.2

70cl
56.9% ABV

This 8 year old Octomore single malt, originally released for the Travel Retail market spent four years in bourbon barrels before being shifted to Sauternes wine casks. The result is a scotch that juxtaposes smoke, oak, and tropical fruit.

View product

Sold Out

Kilchoman UK Small Batch Batch 2

70cl
47.4% ABV

The second release in the UK of Kilchomam's exclusive small batch single malt. Matured in a combination of bourbon, oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The result is a beautiful marriage of classic Kilchoman citrus and peat smoke with added layers of treacle, toffee and cooked fruits. One of 1260...

View product

Sold Out

Kilchoman Eleventh Edition Club Release 2022 Release

70cl
50.0% ABV

The Eleventh Edition Club Release is a vatting of three ex-bourbon barrels that have been finished in fresh Sicilian marsala casks for fifteen months before bottling at cask strength, 53% abv. Only 771 bottles produced. Marsala is a fortified wine produced on the island of Sicily, Italy. The use of...

View product

Sold Out

Big Peat 12 Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

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.

View product

Sold Out

Talisker 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

70cl
45.8% ABV

Matured for 18 years in various ex bourbon and sherry casks, this rich and full bodied single malt is a pleasantly sweet and warm malt produced at the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye.

View product

Sold Out

Mac-Talla Terra Classic Islay Single Malt

70cl
46.0% ABV

Introducing a new release for 2021 from Morrison Distillers (formerly Morrison & Mackay) - this is Mac-Talla meaning “echo” in Scottish Gaelic. This single malt perfectly reflects the taste journey as it demonstrates the multi-dimensions that come from this untamed Island. An undisclosed Islay single malt, bottled at 46% ABV.

View product

Sold Out

Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition Charred Oak

70cl
46.0% ABV

Introducing Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Charred Oak Cask. This 11 year old Single malt Scotch Whiskyhas been aged in heavily charred ex-bourbon and ex-red wine casks creating the perfect whisky to accompany any medium-rare steak. With hints of vanilla, red berries, sea salt brine and Lagavulin’s signature smore, this whisky not...

View product

Sold Out

Arran Robert Burns Single Malt Whisky

70cl
43.0% ABV

A single malt from the Isle of Arran distillery, named in honour of the famed Scottish poet, Robert Burns. This versatile dram is officially endorsed by the World Burns Federation. Made from bourbon and sherry casks for a fresh taste, making it perfect to be enjoyed alone, with water or ice, or...

View product

Sold Out

Arran Machrie Moor Single Malt Scotch Whisky

70cl
46.0% ABV

Arran Machrie Moor is one of the expressions in the peated collection by Arran. Produced at Arran’s Lochranza Distillery and inspired by the rugged terrain of Arran’s west coast, notes of dried grass, smoke and vanilla are found in this single malt.

View product

Sold Out

Arran Quarter Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

70cl
56.2% ABV

This single malt is initially matured in ex-Bourbon barrels before being transferred for 2 years into smaller Quarter casks. Transferring the whisky into the smaller 125 litre sized casks produces a far more intense fruity falvour. The result is a full-bodied expression combining power and finesse full of rich vanilla...

View product

Sold Out

Arran 10 Year Old

70cl
46.0% ABV

The classic Arran 10 Year Old Single Malt captures the unique and fresh taste of the beautiful Arran island and is one of the best single malt whiskies Scotland has to offer. An award-winning whisky has had plenty of recognition throughout the years, definitely a must have in the collection of all Single...

View product

Sold Out

Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie & Port Charlotte 10 Year Old Bundle Set

2 x 70cl

Enjoy a fantastic Bruichladdich duo with this handy bundle. Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie - 2023 Bottling 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. ...

View product

Sold Out

Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2012 & Bruichladdich Organic Barley 2011 Bundle Set

2 X 70cl

Enjoy a fantastic Bruichladdich duo with this handy bundle. Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2012 This unpeated single malt was produced from the 2011 harvest of heritage bere barley supplied by the Agronomy Institute of Orkney College. Bere Barley is a six-row heritage variety that has long since been forgotten from the...

View product

Sold Out

Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt 5cl

5cl
45.8% ABV

Deep and stormy like the ocean crashing over the rocky shores of its island distillery, Talisker is the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky rugged enough to call the Isle of Skye its home. The perfect size for any small gift.

View product

Sold Out

Kilchoman Casado 2022 Release Single Malt Whisky

70cl
46.0% ABV

Introducing the Kilchoman Casado (Portuguese for marriage). This is a limited edition bottling which was matured in fresh bourbon barrels for 6 years before 38 casks were selected and married together for 2 years in two 6,000 litre Portuguese red wine vats. “The red wine marriage gives the whisky layers...

View product

Sold Out

Scapa Glansa Single Malt Scotch Whisky

70cl
40.0% ABV

Scapa Glansa is a single malt Scotch whisky that has been aged in American Oak barrels. It has a soft, malty aroma and a smooth, creamy texture that rounds out deep, complex flavours of honey, spice, and toffee. Enjoy the subtle, lingering finish of one of Scotland's finest whiskies! This...

View product

Sold Out

Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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.

View product

Sold Out

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

70cl
43.0% ABV

Smokehead is a heavily-peated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky that's intensely rich yet subtly sweet. With immense smoke and notes of sea salt and spice, this is a vigorous whisky that stands out from the crowd.A whisky that's uncompromising, unexpected and defiantly different, Smokehead embodies a wild spirit that's custom...

View product

Sold Out

Laphroaig Select Cask Single Malt

70cl
40.0% ABV

As well as human passion, this Select whisky also speaks of the land where it was crafted. The crystal waters of the Kilbride stream and the rich peat that can only be found on Islay add to the bracing flavour of this distinctive whisky.Laphroaig Select is a carefully chosen blend...

View product

Previous 1 … 10 11 12 13 14 … 17 Next

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.