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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Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
46.3% ABV

Pronounced ‘Stew-rah-dur’ , meaning ‘helmsman’ in Scots Gaelic, Stiùireadair pays homage to the Bunnahabhain helmsman and our appreciation of the sea by which we are surrounded. Unusually for an Islay single malt, Stiùireadair is unpeated, allowing the sweet coastal character of our island to shine through. Award winning Scotch: San...

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Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie - 2023 Bottling & 2 Tumblers in Presentation Box

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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Port Charlotte Scottish Barley 10 Year Old Single Malt & 2 Tumblers in Presentation Box

70cl
50.0% ABV

Looking for a peated single malt with a rich history and an undeniable character? Look no further than Port Charlotte Scottish Barley 10 Year Old Single Malt. This dram hails from the Islay region of Scotland, an area known for its peaty whiskies that perfectly capture the rugged beauty of...

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Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie - 2023 Bottling with Tote Bag

70cl
50.0% ABV

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Bunnahabhain 23 Year Old Feis Ile 2024 Triple Sherry Wood Finish & 2 Branded Nosing Glasses

70cl
53.3% ABV

Save £72

Bunnahabhain 23-year-old cask strength limited edition was released for Fèis Ìle 2024. Distilled in 1999, this whisky blends the best sherry cask finishes: Amontillado, Manzanilla, and Oloroso. The outcome is a rich sherry burst with creamy fudge, vanilla, and a touch of tobacco. No added colour, non-chill filtered, bottled at...

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Ledaig 18 Year Old with Glencairn Nosing Glass Bundle

70cl
46.3% ABV

This single malt whisky is first matured for 16 years in ex-bourbon casks before being finished for 2 years in sherry casks. Inspired by the traditional style of single malts Scotch whisky that would have been originally distilled on the Island of Mull. Accompanied with a Ledaig Glencairn Nosing Glass to make...

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Bunnahabhain 21 Year Old Cask Strength 2024 Release

70cl
53.6% ABV

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Introducing the brand new limited release Bunnahabhain 21 Year Old Cask Strength! This single malt highlights the expertise of Master Blender, Julieann Fernandez. Bottled at a robust Cask Strength ABV of 53.6% and fully matured on Islay, this whisky spent the majority of its aging in Ex-Oloroso Sherry casks before...

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Bruichladdich 2012 Micro Provenance cask #2113

70cl
62.2% ABV

The Bruichladdich 2012 Micro Provenance Cask #2113 is a limited-edition single malt, with only 282 bottles produced. Distilled in 2012 and bottled at a robust cask strength of 62.2% ABV, this unpeated whisky highlights Bruichladdich's craftsmanship. Bottled without chill filtration or coloring for an authentic, full-bodied experience.

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Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair Single Malt - No Box

70cl
46.3% ABV

Pronounced ‘Stew-rah-dur’ , meaning ‘helmsman’ in Scots Gaelic, Stiùireadair pays homage to the Bunnahabhain helmsman and our appreciation of the sea by which we are surrounded Unusually for an Islay single malt, Stiùireadair is unpeated, allowing the sweet coastal character of our island to shine through. Award winning Scotch:...

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Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2022 Release & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
56.6% ABV

Bunnahabhain now present the second annual release of their 12 Year Old Cask Strength. A limited-edition whisky inspired by visitor tastings in the distillery's iconic Warehouse 9. Boasting a greater potency compared to the 2021 edition. The flavours emerge with heightened intensity, featuring prominent notes of chocolate, spice, and dried...

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Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2023 Release & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
60.1% ABV

Bunnahabhain now present the third annual realease, their 12 Year Old Cask Strength, a limited-edition whisky inspired by visitor tastings in the distillery's iconic Warehouse 9. Bottled at cask strength, it intensifies the whisky's spice, black pepper, and cinnamon flavours without losing its unpeated, sherried essence, and enhances the mouthfeel....

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Bowmore 19 Year Old French Oak Single Malt

70cl
48.9% ABV

A rare and exceptional bottling, exclusive to Amazon, limited batch released in 2018 and 2019. Matured for 19 years in first-fill ex-Chateau Lagrange French oak barriques. Savour the depths of rich oak and sweet fruit with perfectly balanced layers of exotic spices, light peat and heather honey.

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Talisker 10 Year Old 20cl - Damaged Label

20cl
45.8% ABV

This Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Gift Pack Skye 20cl is an ideal gift for any whisky enthusiast. This expression uses peat-smoked malt, delivering hints of salt, pepper and elements of rich wood, and is aged for a minimum of 10 years. Please note the label on...

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Highland Park Cask Strength Release No. 1

70cl
63.9% ABV

Cask Strength Release No. 1 is matured predominantly in sherry seasoned American oak casks of different ages, hand-selected by Gordon Motion, our Master Whisky Maker. It is then directly bottled - not chill-filtered - to ensure the essential DNA and natural colour of our whisky stays intact. There is nothing...

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Bruichladdich 2011 12 Year Old Micro Provenance Cask 300 & 2 Tumblers in Presentation Box

70cl
61.7% ABV

Bruichladdich's Micro Provenance range is an ongoing collection that explores various factors that can impact their whisky's flavour profile. This bottling is a part of this range and was distilled using bere barley in 2011 and matured for 12 years in a Single 2nd Fill AMF Amarone Wine Cask before being bottled in...

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Jura 18 Year Old With Branded Nosing Glass & Beanie

70cl
44.0% ABV

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A timeless 18 Year Old single malt whisky finished in red wine casks, guaranteed to complete any collection They say time and tide wait for no man. On Jura, by contrast, time is stretched by the changing seasons and tempered by its unique microclimate, with each passing year bringing its...

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Jura 18 Year Old & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
44.0% ABV

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New Release

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Bruichladdich 18 Year Old & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
50.0% ABV

The Bruichladdich Eighteen is the first permanent 18 Year Old single malt in the Bruichladdich portfolio. It symbolizes the distillery's commitment to reconnecting land and dram, championing raw ingredients, and introducing terroir to the whisky world. Since reopening in 2001, they've supported the local community and, in 2004, began a...

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Caol Ila 2008 Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Cask 312778

70cl
57.9% ABV

Caol Ila 2008 from Gordon & MacPhail's Connoisseurs Choice series is an exceptional single malt, matured for 15 years in refill American hogsheads Cask #312778. It produced 261 bottles at 57.9% ABV

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Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 21 Year Old Batch 4

70cl
51.4% ABV

The last of four releases in the Bowmore Aston Martin Master’s Selection series, this limited edition collaboration was crafted by Bowmore Master Blender, Ron Welsh, and Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman. Aged for 21 years in a mix of Tawny Port and Oloroso Sherry butt casks.

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Bowmore 18 Year Old

70cl
43.0% ABV

This Bowmore 18 Year Old offers a perfumed and fruity flavour profile, with a delicate smokiness that is characteristic of the Islay style. This expression replaced Bowmore's 17-year-old release and is a relatively new addition to their range. Presented in a gift box, this makes an ideal present for whisky...

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Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
46.3% ABV

Save £90.05

As a renowned Islay distillery, Bunnahabhain presents their 25 Year Old, a 46.3% unpeated single malt with a prominent sherry influence. This premium whisky boasts a complex flavour profile with distinct notes of berries, nuts, and oak. Non-chill filtered and of natural colour, this award-winning expression is a must-try for...

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Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old

70cl
46.3% ABV

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New Release

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Ardbeg Spectacular Limited Edition Islay Single Malt

70cl
46.0% ABV

A captivating twist on Ardbeg, this limited edition is a pioneering creation for the distillery. It blends their signature whisky with whisky aged in port wine casks, resulting in a well-balanced dram with unique aromas. Expect a mix of fruity, nutty, floral, and intriguingly odd notes, all enveloped in smoky...

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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.