Islay Distilleries |
Page updated 09/10/2017
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Islay (pronounce it eye-luh) is the Whisky Island. It isn't a large island, but it has more distilleries than all the other Scottish islands put together, a reputation throughout the world, and a history to match. The reputation particularly relates to the smoky nature of Islay Whisky - and though the normal style of Bruichladich and Bunnahabhain is unpeated, they both also produce peated varieties. The three Southern distilleries, Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig are particularly noted for the high peating levels, and are all within close proximity of each other - add in the closed Port Ellen, and there were 4 distilleries in little more than 3 miles. The largest distillery on the island, Caol Ila is close to the northern ferry terminal, Port Askaig, and normally peats its whisky to almost the same high levels as the 3 on the South coast, though it also produces an unpeated variety, mainly for blending purposes.
All of Islay's distilleries, except the newest (Kilchoman) are coastal, and all but one of them announce themselves to any passing boats in bold black letters on their warehouses - Bruichladdich, as ever, do things differently, but still advertise themselves on old casks. In some, but not all cases it's been possible to get the bike in picture too!
A further distillery is being built at Ardnahoe (between Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila); though the proposed Gartbreck Distillery has ground to a halt at least for the time being. On 09/10/17, Diageo announced plans to re-open Port Ellen (and Brora).
Clicking on a picture on this page does not produce a larger image, but takes you to the Distillery page.
All of Islay's distilleries, except the newest (Kilchoman) are coastal, and all but one of them announce themselves to any passing boats in bold black letters on their warehouses - Bruichladdich, as ever, do things differently, but still advertise themselves on old casks. In some, but not all cases it's been possible to get the bike in picture too!
A further distillery is being built at Ardnahoe (between Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila); though the proposed Gartbreck Distillery has ground to a halt at least for the time being. On 09/10/17, Diageo announced plans to re-open Port Ellen (and Brora).
Clicking on a picture on this page does not produce a larger image, but takes you to the Distillery page.
Ardbeg
Bowmore Bruichladdich Bunnahabhain Caol Ila Kilchoman Lagavulin Laphroaig Port Ellen (closed) Islay Places Ballygrant Bowmore Bridgend Bruichladdich Port Askaig Port Charlotte Port Ellen Port Wemyss/ Portnahaven Other Regions |
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