Islay is a small island in the Inner Hebrides, off the southwest coast of mainland Scotland. It is home to 9 distilleries, many (but, not all) are known for malting their barley with peat smoke, which imparts a smoky flavor. Common to all is an influence of sea air on the flavors.

Islay is the most southerly of the western isles, being only 12 miles from the north coast of Ireland. The north and east of the island are characterized by low, rocky, heather-covered hills; and the southern part is a combination of peat and fertile plain. The whole island is often lashed by gales blowing in off the Atlantic; but, it also enjoys a fair amount of sunshine.

The varying and extreme weather conditions on Islay shape some of the most distinctive malts in Scotland. They are sea-weedy, iodine-like and phenolic.

Islay Distillery Home Pages

Ardbeg – Ardnahoe – Bowmore – Bruichladdich – Bunnahabhain – Caol Ila – Kilchoman – Lagavulin – Laphroaig