::: Islay whiskies ::.

:: An introduction to the whiskies of Islay ::

Islay single malt whiskies have an incredible depth and complexity, but are best known for their intense peaty, smokey characters.

The Isle of Islay has a vast coverage of peat, which is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation matter. This peat infuses its flavour and colour into the water sources on Islay, the same water used to produce Islay whiskies. Before distillation, the malted barley is dried over peat fires, the barley enveloped in smoke.

Islay whiskies are often said to have 'notes of the sea'. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, sea breezes wash across Islay's abundant peat and permeate the aging barrels of whisky.

Some of the terms often used to describe Islay whiskies include: "medicinal"..."iodine"..."seaweed"..."salt"...and most frequently of all..."smokey". To learn more about tasting and evaluating Islay whiskies, visit the Tasting tips section of IslayWhiskies.com.

Typically, the whisky distilleries around the southern coast of Islay have been known as the most intensely flavoured, with strongly pronounced smokey characters (Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin).

Compared to their southern counterparts, the whisky distilleries towards the north of Islay are usually less peated and lighter in character. However, this broad concept is frequently challenged - with many northern Islay distilleries also releasing intensely flavoured whiskies smacking of peat smoke.

Though steeped in history and tradition, Islay whisky distilleries are becoming increasingly innovative in offering new styles of this much loved whisky. Not all Islay whiskies are pungently peaty, smokey whiskies; and a broad spectrum of styles can be found from across the island.

The Isle of Islay is currently home to eight active whisky distilleries: Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin and Laphroaig. Further information on these distilleries can be found in the Distilleries section of IslayWhiskies.com.