Islay

Located in the southwest of the Scottish coast and south of the Isle of Jura Islay is a whisky region in its own right and a unique place in the whisky world It is one of the most exposed islands in Scotland facing strong winds and storms Surrounded by sea spray the island is covered with peat bogs on a quarter of its surface and also has fertile land ideal for growing barley Islay whisky is therefore truly unique To adapt to the local climate and geology distilleries have always dried their malt using the abundant peat found on the island As a result the malts from Islay are among the smokiest earthiest and most maritime in Scotland Islay also has the highest number of distilleries per square metre in the country No less than 10 distilleries are currently operating there Ardbeg Bowmore Bruichladdich Bunnahabhain Caol Ila Kilchoman Lagavulin Laphroaig and Ardnahoe along with the legendary Port Ellen distillery which has just reopened Thanks to a tradition passed down through generations the island offers the ultimate expression of peated whisky.