Islay is a treasure trove for all lovers of Scotch whisky. The southernmost of the Inner Hebrides, Islay is known as the Queen of the Hebrides, and for good reason. Its reputation for the finest single malt whiskies is almost second to none, with its peaty depth and smoky character attracting acclaim from Scotch lovers worldwide.
Islay stands out amongst the other islands due to the sheer number of distilleries dotted around its landscape. Just twenty-five miles in length, Islay is home to eight active distilleries creating exceptional Scotch whiskies for us all to enjoy. However, despite their proximity, the quality and style of single malts produced differ vastly.
A Quick Word about the Power of Peat
Islay peat is essential in the art of making whisky on the island. It creates the distinctive flavor the island is known for and means their whiskies stand out against others. Generations of distillers have relied upon the natural peat to dry out their barley before they begin the distillation process. Peat is a unique compound found naturally in the peatlands and bogs of Islay. Islay is more exposed to the natural elements than other parts of Scotland, making its peat, and therefore whiskies, have a unique flavor, unlike any other.
The single malts available from the isle of Islay are exceptional and renowned for their unique character. To be considered a single malt, the whisky must be produced at a single distillery and use only yeast, water, and malted barley before being distilled in pot stills and then matured for at least three years and a day in oak casks. Let’s look more closely at some of the exceptional flavors coming out of this tiny isle.
The Balance of Bowmore
Bowmore whiskies are made in the administrative capital of Islay. They have a reputation for their rounded balance when considered against other Islay malts. Established in 1779, Bowmore malts stand out for their true representation of the flavors of Islay, perfectly combining the smokiness, saltiness, citrus tang and warming vanilla that typifies a quality Islay single malt.
Bowmore 15 year island Single Malt stands out for its richness and depth of color. This malt matures in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks which help to create its unique look and flavor. This whisky spends its final three years before bottling in Oloroso sherry casks which is vital to creating the warmth it is known for.
The Authority of Ardbeg
Ardbeg’s rugged and rocky coves provide the perfect fertile ground for the most exceptional Islay single malts. Soft water, rich soils and the precious peat needed for the depth of a quality single malt are all in abundance in this area. There is a reason Ardbeg is a recognizable name in Scotch whisky; their history and flavors stand the test of time. Ardbeg single malts are repeatedly hailed as the most complex on the market, with an inexplicable balance of peaty depth and a surprising touch of sweetness ensuring they stand out.
Ardbeg 10-Year typifies this sweet and peat combination. Perhaps the most complex single malt of them all, the flavors speak for themselves and tempt you back for another dram. Ardbeg Corryvreckan, on the other hand, has a surprising pep to its taste, with deep peaty notes mixing with a peppery heat for a surprisingly satisfying balance. The final member of this Ardbeg Triumvirate is Ardbeg Uigeadail. A clever creation, Ardbeg Uigeadail marries that renowned peaty depth with the sweetness and delicacy of raisins thanks to maturation in ex-Sherry casks.
The Creativity of Bruichladdich
With a distillery built in 1881, Bruichladdich has a reputation for fruit-rich, creative flavors that differ significantly from other whiskies on Islay. It’s a little gentler than other varieties from the isle, as Bruichladdich benefits from gentler weather conditions and a little more shelter than other distilleries across Islay.
With an affectionate Scotch nickname, the Classic Laddie Single Malt captures the elegance and floral gentleness that Bruichladdich is known for. Creatively different from other Islay malts, Bruichladdich whiskies are traditionally produced using authentic Victorian equipment and the trained senses of their master distillers.
The Intensity of Lagavulin
Lagavulin’s reputation precedes them, and they are always mentioned whenever anyone discusses Scotch single malts in general, let alone the flavors of Islay. Lagavulin’s peaty depth is well-known, and they are considered one of the powerhouses of the island situated on the South Coast.
Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt is the gold standard of Islay peaty flavor. For an intense, peaty dram, this is the whisky you’ll want to sample. Maturing over sixteen years, this single malt rests in pure oak casks throughout its maturation with no rush or hurry to reach perfection. The time it takes to mature allows the depth and peaty richness to achieve the intensity we’ve come to love and appreciate.
The high regard Islay is held in clearly makes sense when you consider the exceptional quality of these single malts from the island. There are also plenty more where these came from!
