Islay

Located to the south-west of the Scottish coast and to the south of the isle of Jura, Islay constitutes a unique region in the world of whisky. It is among the islands that are the most exposed to the wind and storms. Regularly swept by sea spray, a quarter of the island is covered with peat bogs, but there is also fertile land suitable for barley. In order to adapt to the climate and geological conditions, the distilleries have always dried their malt using the famous, widely available peat. As a result, the island’s malts are among Scotland’s smokiest, earthiest and most iodized. Islay is also home to the highest number of distilleries per square metre in Scotland. No less than nine distilleries are currently active : Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardnahoe; and the legendary distillery of Port Ellen will soon reopen. Thanks to a tradition that has been passed from one generation to the next, Islay offers the ultimate expression of peaty whisky.