The Isle of Islay—often called the Queen of the Hebrides—is not just a stunningly beautiful island off the west coast of Scotland, but it’s also the heart and soul of Scotch whisky. Islay has long been home to some of the most iconic and distinctive whiskies in the world, and there’s no better way to experience the island’s charm than through a glass of its fine Scotch.
What Makes Islay Whisky So Special?
Islay is synonymous with bold, peaty whiskies that carry the essence of the island's rugged landscape and maritime climate. But Islay isn’t just one type of whisky; it’s a diverse whisky destination, offering a range of flavor profiles. Here’s what makes Islay whisky stand out:
1. Peat and Smoke
Islay is famous for its peat bogs, which have been used in the malting process for centuries. When you hear terms like "smoky," "peaty," and "medicinal" associated with Islay whiskies, it's because the island’s whiskies tend to be heavily peated. This gives them that characteristic earthy, smoky flavor that many whisky drinkers find both distinctive and unforgettable. Distilleries like Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin are particularly known for their peaty, smoky whiskies that bring Islay's natural elements into every sip.
2. Coastal Influence
Being surrounded by the wild Atlantic Ocean gives Islay its unique maritime influence. The salty air and sea spray are believed to impart a distinctive brininess to many Islay whiskies. It’s like the island’s very atmosphere is captured in every bottle, with subtle notes of iodine, brine, and a touch of the sea. It’s this coastal character that adds an extra layer of complexity to Islay whisky that you won’t find anywhere else in Scotland.
3. Rich Tradition and Heritage
Whisky has been part of Islay's culture for over 400 years. The island is home to nine active distilleries, each with its own story, personality, and approach to whisky-making. Many of these distilleries, such as Bowmore (founded in 1779), are among the oldest in Scotland, and they’ve played a central role in shaping the world of Scotch whisky. When you drink an Islay whisky, you’re tasting centuries of history and craftsmanship that’s been passed down through generations.
4. Diverse Flavors
While Islay is often associated with heavily peated whiskies, the island also produces a range of other whisky styles. For example, Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain offer whiskies that are often less peated or completely unpeated, giving whisky drinkers more variety. Whether you’re a fan of smoky drams or lighter, more floral notes, Islay has something to offer.
Here's three classic Islay Drams to pass the time with:
Port Charlotte is one of the most intriguing names in the world of Islay whisky, especially for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate the island’s distinctively smoky, peaty styles. The whisky has a relatively young history compared to some of the older distilleries on Islay, but it carries a storied legacy and has quickly gained a reputation for bold flavors and craftsmanship.
The Port Charlotte Distillery itself was built in 1829 by a man named Colin Campbell. Located near the village of Port Charlotte on the Isle of Islay, the distillery had a relatively short-lived initial run. It was operational for about a century before it was closed in 1929, largely due to the effects of the Great Depression and changing market conditions.

The Port Charlotte Distillery was one of many distilleries built on Islay during the 19th century, but it faced challenges from both changing consumer tastes and economic instability. After its closure, the distillery buildings were repurposed, and for decades, Port Charlotte whisky was all but forgotten.
Fast forward to the 1990s, when a major shift in the Islay whisky scene began to take shape. The Bruichladdich Distillery, known for its innovative approach to whisky making, was revived in 2001 by a group of investors led by Mark Reynier and Jim McEwan. As part of their expansion, Bruichladdich decided to bring back the old Port Charlotte name, in tribute to the history of the village and the distillery that once stood there.
Bowmore Distillery, located on the Isle of Islay, is one of Scotland's oldest whisky distilleries, established in 1779. Renowned for its rich history and commitment to traditional craftsmanship, Bowmore has been at the heart of Islay's whisky heritage for over two centuries. The distillery is situated on the shores of Loch Indaal, which provides the pure water essential for its whisky production.
Bowmore is celebrated for its balanced and complex single malts, characterized by a harmonious interplay of peat smoke, maritime notes, and fruity sweetness. Its iconic No. 1 Vaults, the oldest whisky maturation warehouse in Scotland, is a key feature of the distillery, offering optimal conditions for aging its whiskies.

Ownership of Bowmore has changed hands several times. It is currently part of Beam Suntory, a subsidiary of Japan's Suntory Holdings. Throughout its history, Bowmore has maintained its dedication to quality, producing timeless expressions like the Bowmore 12-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old, and rare collectible releases.
Bowmore also contributes significantly to Islay’s community, blending tradition with innovation. Its enduring legacy and craftsmanship make it a cornerstone of Scotland's whisky industry and a must-visit destination for whisky enthusiasts.
Kilchoman Distillery, founded in 2005, is Islay's first new distillery in over 120 years and remains under the ownership of the founding family. Located on a working farm, Kilchoman is unique for its "farm-to-bottle" approach, producing whisky entirely on-site. This dedication to tradition and authenticity has earned Kilchoman a loyal following.
The 100% Islay release is Kilchoman's flagship expression, showcasing its commitment to local craftsmanship. Every aspect of production – from growing the barley to malting, distilling, maturing, and bottling – takes place on Islay, making it a true representation of the island’s terroir. The barley is grown at Kilchoman’s farm, malted traditionally on-site, and peated to a lighter level than their core range.
The 100% Islay whisky is typically aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, resulting in a delicate balance of light peat smoke, citrus, vanilla, and floral sweetness. Released annually in limited batches, it highlights Kilchoman's artisanal approach and the influence of Islay's maritime environment.
Kilchoman’s 100% Islay embodies the spirit of the island, offering a unique whisky experience that appeals to purists and newcomers alike. It stands as a testament to the distillery’s philosophy of quality and provenance.
