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The endless rain and sea spray blew across the island maintain the constant bog-like environment that allows the peat to form over years of decay and compaction. Common Flavors in Islay Scotch:

Islay Distilleries

After drying the malt is combined with water and this mash is fermented. The fermented liquid is drained off into stills to go through first and second distillation. The distilled liquors are then blended and place in barrels to age. Some for 5 years, some for decades!

In 2020 Elixir Distillers broke ground on a new distillery, which is to be known as Portintruan, on the road between Port Ellen and Laphroaig. [27] Closed distilleries [ edit ] Whiskies from eight distilleries on Islay. When this photograph was taken in August 2004, one of the distilleries had ceased production. All of the location factors: peat, mild temperatures, constant rain contribute to the flavor of the liquid. In fact, it is these very characteristics that make Islay the gem of the single malt regions and producer of some of the finest scotches in the world. Let’s look closer at each factor and what it brings to the whisky. Peat Scotch whisky distilled on Islay, Scotland Whisky producing regions of Scotland Distilleries on Islay as of 2011 If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, the remainder of the Terms shall continue in full force and effect. Laphroaig 10 gets its distinctive taste from the natural features of Islay, the remote and rugged island off the West Coast of Scotland where the whisky is made Local water is sourced from the legendary Kilbride Stream, and the malted barley is cold-smoked then dried over a fire fuelled by the unique Islay peat This lends a distinctive flavour that speaks of the land where it was forged A classic dram, this full-bodied single malt has a surprising sweetness which leads into a long, warming finish Each sip brings complicated notes of smoke, seaweed, peat and a hint of salt – like a bracing fall day on Scotland's rugged coastBarley is grown, harvested, then malted (soaked to promote germination and then dried to halt germination.) There is a more in-depth discussion below, but single malt is mostly made from malt produced, distilled and bottled all in one distillery. Just to the northeast of Islay lies the Island of Jura. There is only one distillery on the island, aptly named “Isle of Jura.” (There are only 200 people living on the Island so that gives you some perspective!)

The whiskies of the distilleries along the southeastern coast of the island, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, have a smoky character derived from peat, considered a central characteristic of the Islay malts, and ascribed both to the water from which the whisky is made and to the peating levels of the barley. Many describe this as a "medicinal" flavour. They also possess notes of iodine, seaweed and salt. [9] Caol Ila, on the northern side of the island, across from Jura, also produces a strongly peated whisky. Trees, other than plantations, on these islands are scattered and the peat is free of rotting wood. (Normal peat bogs are invaded by trees and periodic fires kill the encroaching tree line.) Islay peat is reputedly the best flavoured for scotch production.This blend has no grain element at all, just pure malt. Sheep Dip highlights classic Islay notes like peat, salt, and sea minerals. Dried fruit, apricots, and firey strength keep the peat from being overwhelming. Elements of chocolate, bacon, and toasted wood deepen the flavor.. A really excellent blend that is almost reminiscent of a Talisker Storm. It can be rather hard to find in the US. Whiskies That Are Similar to Islay No partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship is created as a result of your use of the Service. Much is Islay’s scotch is peated, meaning the malted barley is dried over burning peat rather than burning wood. The peat, Islay’s form of coal, has a very specific and unique flavor and imparts heavy smoke, moss, and salt to the barley flavors.

Palate no water: Espresso rubbed steak is my first thought, followed by pine needles, wet earth, and smoke. There are many times the word “cheap” and “value” are used interchangeably but I feel we can all agree that when it comes to whisky, they couldn’t be further apart. Nothing in the Terms shall exclude or limit our liability for fraudulent misrepresentation or for death or personal injury resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct by us. One of the strongest Islay scotches, almost always aged to at least 10 years. They claim their water is what makes their whisky so unique. One of the three distilleries with its own malting floor. ArdbergIslay is one of the major regions of Scotland, and one of the largest producers of single malt scotch in the world.No matter what you try or where you travel, you’ll never find anywhere quite like Islay with its storm-swept coasts and mild climate. Get on every social media platform and follow all the whisky shops. The amount of discount codes, competitions and giveaways they run, can provide plenty of bottles of joy for bargain prices. Skimming my shelves I’d say I’ve less than five bottles I’ve paid RRP or more for. Officially the newest distillery on Islay. Number 9! The distillery is producing and had its opening ceremony on April 12th. Bottles will be available to the public soon. It is a family-owned and operated facility. There are two copper pot stills, which are somewhat new for Islay. It is definitely a new take on the classic! It should be noted that the Port Ellen Malting floor is still operational and supplies malts for a number of distilleries around Islay. Farkin Distillery