Explore Islay Whisky
Why we love Islay Scotch whisky
Distilling began with the arrival of monks on Islay (pronounced ‘eye-luh’) in the 14th century. Allegedly, with its unlimited peat supplies and plentiful lochs and rivers, they dubbed it the perfect place for whisky production – and we're sure the thousands of Islay whisky fans across the world would agree!
Islay’s famed smoky, peaty whisky now has something of a cult following, but originally it wasn’t a creative choice. Peat was simply what distillers had to hand to use in the malting process to dry the barley.
Attributes of Islay whisky
Islay peat is distinctly different from mainland Scottish peat, made up of seaweed, giving the whisky a distinctive coastal, medicinal character that is so well-loved. Most distilleries were built on the coastline, which further contributes to the savoury, coastal qualities associated with the region. However, we mustn't forget the excellent Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain distilleries, which both produce unpeated Islay whiskies.
What does Islay whisky taste like?
You can expect rich smoke, laden with earthy peat, medicinal notes. sea air, and seaweed notes – with many Islay whiskies boasting an oily texture and flavour.
OUR ISLAY PICKS
About Lagavulin Distillery
Now one of the cult Islay whiskies, Lagavulin's rise was unanticipated, and it had to increase its working week from two days to seven after its popularity soared once it joined Diageo’s Classic Malts portfolio in 1989.
While legal distilling at Lagavulin started back in 1816, there’s evidence of illicit distillation taking place on the site as far back as 1742 – making it one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland.
Win a trip to Lagavulin!
You could win a trip for two to Lagavulin, including dinner, an overnight stay on Islay, a distillery tour of Lagavulin and Caol Ila, and so much more.
All you have to do is buy one of the selected bottles from the Lagavulin range, and you're automatically entered! This once-in-a-lifetime trip could be yours.
Buy these Lagavulin bottles to enter the competition!
Buying any of these bottles will get you automatically entered to win a trip to Lagavulin.
More of our favourites from... Islay
Get stuck into the variety of smoky offerings, and some unpeated gems too!
