The salty aromas and sea-mist character are further accentuated in the malts from Islay - a small south westerly isle that undoubtedly produces some of Scotland’s most precious and characterful malts. They are the most easy to recognise – traditionally held to be the amongst the heaviest and most pungent available.

It can be said that Islay has 3 major assets:
1. a ready source of local barley (local name ‘bere’)
2. inexhaustible amounts of peat
3. rivers running brim-full of soft water

Laphroaig and Lagavulin from the isle’s craggy east coast are renowned for their strong seaweedy styles, whilst healthy Bowmore gives a smooth finish. Islay malts are best known for their ‘peat reek’ and are much loved and treasured by the connoisseur. Popular after-dinner malts. Note of caution –probably not a first-timers malt.

Distilleries:-

Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Laphroiag , Port Ellen.