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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The Hearach Isle of Harris First Release - Batch 3

70cl
46.0% ABV

This first release single malt introduced by the Isle of Harris distillery underwent complete production on the island and was matured in first-fill ex-bourbon, ex-oloroso, and ex-fino sherry casks. A mild peat smoke is evident in the aroma, accompanied by additional scents of wildflowers, toasted malt, and honeysuckle. The palate...

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The Hearach Isle of Harris First Release - Batch 4

70cl
46.0% ABV

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Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie & Branded Nosing Glass

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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Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2013 & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
50.0% ABV

This eighth release of unpeated, locally sourced single malt, Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2013, demonstrates the enduring nature of their dedication to barley provenance. It has a true feeling of place and is fully traceable and of high provenance, with flavours of honeyed oatmeal and lemon meringue pie. Enjoy a complimentary...

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Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014 & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
50.0% ABV

The Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014 is an unpeated Islay single malt, aged for 8 years in a blend of first-fill bourbon casks, second-fill sherry butts, and second-fill wine casks. Enjoy a complimentary branded Nosing Glass with the purchase of this bottle.

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Bruichladdich 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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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Lagavulin 16 Year Old - No Box

70cl
43.0% ABV

For those who love a bold, smoky whisky, Lagavulin 16 Year Old is the perfect choice. Distilled on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, this classic single malt is known for its rich, complex flavour and long, lingering finish. On the nose, Lagavulin 16 offers a smoky, peaty aroma with...

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Talisker Port Ruighe Single Malt & Branded Mug

70cl
45.8% ABV

Made by the sea on the rugged Isle of Skye, Talisker Port Ruighe is finished in port casks, combining the powerful maritime character of Talisker with succulent sweet notes of rich berry fruits. Port Ruighe (pronounced Port-ree) is a toast to the Scottish traders who braved the high seas and...

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Bowmore 12, 15 & 18 Year Old 3x5cl Miniature Gift Pack

3 x 5cl
43.0% ABV

Bowmore, Islay's oldest distillery, renowned for its peaty and floral character with a balanced smoke level, presents a captivating set. Explore the impact of oak aging with expressions ranging from the Bowmore 12 to the rich complexity of the 15 and 18-year-old.

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Talisker 10 Year Old 20cl - No Box

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.

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Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.4

70cl
64.3% ABV

Highland Park Cask Strength Release No. 4, crafted by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, showcases the influence of diverse cask types on Highland Park whisky. Introducing first-fill ex-port hogsheads for the first time, this exceptional release unveils hints of Turkish Delight and fragrant rose water. With a blend of sherry-seasoned...

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The Hearach Isle of Harris First Release - Batch 5

70cl
46.0% ABV

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The Hearach Isle of Harris First Release - Batch 6

70cl
46.0% ABV

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The Botanist Islay Dry Gin Magnum 1.5 Litre

150cl
46.0% ABV

A giant 1.5 litre magnum bottle of Islay Gin. This expertly crafted gin gets its character from 22 wild botanicals and 9 classic gin spices. Traditionally made by hand at Islay's Bruichladdich distillery, this dry gin is distilled three times longer than usual. It is ideal as a basis for delicious cocktails...

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Bruichladdich 2011 12 Year Old Micro Provenance Cask 300

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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Kilchoman Founders Cask 2023 Release

70cl
54.8% ABV

The concluding entry in Kilchoman distillery's Founders Cask series, the 5th release holds a distinct significance as it was handpicked by the youngest son, Peter Wills. This 11-year-old single cask underwent maturation in two distinct bourbon barrels for over 9 years before its final refinement in a 400-litre Calvados cask...

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Bunnahabhain Abhainn Araig Feis Ile 2022

70cl
50.8% ABV

A sumptuous and exclusive Bunnahabhain single malt, meticulously crafted to commemorate Feis Ile 2022 and influenced by the pristine waters of Islay. Aptly named Abhainn Araig, translating to Araig River in Gaelic, this distinguished whisky has undergone maturation in a harmonious blend of ex-bourbon casks, Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, and sherry...

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Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair 20cl

20cl
46.3% ABV

Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair is an award-winning Scotch with a creamy mouth feel, dried fruit influence, notes of sea salt, creamy caramel, and hints of nuts and gentle spice. It boasts a 46.3% ABV and is non-chillfiltered and naturally coloured for a more authentic character and taste. Unusually for an Islay single...

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Arran Signature Series Edition 1 - Remnant Renegade

70cl
46.0% ABV

Experience the rich flavour of Arran's unique Remnant Renegade whisky, a limited edition Signature Series blend of cask styles from 1997 to 2017. Aging in ex-Sherry hogsheads, ex-bourbon barrels, and butts creates an unforgettable taste that will tantalize your taste buds. Bottles are signed by distillery manager Stewart Bowman.

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Arran 17 Year Old 2023 Release

70cl
46.0% ABV

The Arran 17 Year Old 2023 Limited-edition one-off bottling, offering "a perfect balance of juicy stone fruit, citrus zest and gentle smokiness". Crafted with care, this exquisite whisky has been aged for 17 years in ex-bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. Enjoy this rare Scotch whisky with subtle hints of almond...

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Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie 20cl & Branded Nosing Glass

20cl
50.0% ABV

This single malt was crafted by Master Distiller Jim McEwan from whisky matured in individually selected American and Spanish oak casks to showcase the classic, floral and elegant Bruichladdich house style. Made from 100% Scottish barley, matured for its entire life by the shores of Lochindaal. Enjoy a free branded nosing glass with...

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Port Charlotte 2013 PMC:01 9 Year Old Pomerol Wine Cask & Branded Nosing Glass

70cl
54.5% ABV

Crafted at the renowned Bruichladdich distillery on the captivating Isle of Islay, this exclusive offering from Port Charlotte showcases a heavily peated whisky. After maturing in first-fill bourbon barrels for a remarkable four years, it embarked on a transformative journey in Pomerol wine casks for an additional five years. Unveiled...

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Talisker Special Releases 2023 20cl Miniature & Branded Mug

20cl
59.7% ABV

Diageo's prestigious Special Release collection of 2023 presents a 20cl version of Talisker 'The Wild Explorador.' This exceptional expression underwent a remarkable transformation through a finishing period in a blend of white, tawny, and ruby Port casks before being bottled at a robust 59.7% ABV. While Talisker has a storied...

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Talisker Special Releases 2023 & Branded Mug

70cl
59.7% ABV

Diageo's prestigious Special Release collection of 2023 presents Talisker 'The Wild Explorador.' This exceptional expression underwent a remarkable transformation through a finishing period in a blend of white, tawny, and ruby Port casks before being bottled at a robust 59.7% ABV. While Talisker has a storied history of excelling...

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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.