Islay whisky is usually associated with peaty single malt whisky. The three powerhouse distilleries on its south coast, which have become world-famous, produce some exceptional peaty single malt whiskies. Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin all enjoy a sort of cult status.
There are also some less peaty drams. Take Bunnahabhain. This Islay distillery sits to the north of the island and produces fruitier single malts.
There's also the Bruichladdich distillery known for their experimental stance when producing single malt, Bowmore in Islay's pretty administrative capital, Caol Ila and the newer farm-distillery of Kilchoman, both of which are usually peated, but not to the same level as the three mentioned at the top.
How is Islay Whisky produced?
Islay single malt whisky must be produced at a single distillery, from nothing other than yeast, water and malted barley before being distilled in pot stills and matured for a minimum of three years and a day in oak casks.
How to pronounce Islay
Islay is an island which is located in the south of the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. It also represents "The Queen of the Hebrides". The name of the island in English is spelled as Islay, pronounced as EYE-la. The Gaelic name of the island is Ìle, pronounced as EE-leh.