As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the privilege of visiting the beautiful island of Islay in Scotland, which is renowned for its whisky production. Islay is home to a total of nine distilleries, each with its own unique character and flavor profile. Let me take you through each of them in detail:
1. Ardbeg Distillery: Nestled on the Southern coast of Islay, Ardbeg is known for its peaty and smoky whiskies. The distillery has a rich history dating back to 1815 and offers a range of expressions, including their flagship Ardbeg 10-year-old and the more heavily peated Ardbeg Corryvreckan.
2. Bowmore Distillery: Located in the heart of the town of Bowmore, this distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland, established in 1779. Bowmore whiskies are known for their balanced and complex flavors, with a combination of peat smoke and fruity notes. The Bowmore 12-year-old and Bowmore 18-year-old are popular expressions from this distillery.
3. Bruichladdich Distillery: Situated on the Western coast of Islay, Bruichladdich is known for its experimental and innovative approach to whisky making. They produce a range of unpeated, lightly peated, and heavily peated whiskies, catering to a variety of palates. The Octomore series, with its intensely peaty and smoky character, is a highlight from Bruichladdich.
4. Bunnahabhain Distillery: Located on the Northern coast of Islay, Bunnahabhain produces whiskies that are typically less peated compared to other Islay distilleries. They focus on creating whiskies with a more gentle and approachable character, often showcasing fruity and nutty flavors. The Bunnahabhain 12-year-old and Bunnahabhain 18-year-old are well-regarded expressions from this distillery.
5. Caol Ila Distillery: Situated near Port Askaig, Caol Ila is known for its peaty and maritime whiskies. Established in 1846, this distillery produces a wide range of expressions, ranging from light and delicate to heavily peated. The Caol Ila 12-year-old and Caol Ila 18-year-old are popular choices for whisky enthusiasts.
6. Kilchoman Distillery: Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the newer distilleries on Islay. It is known for its traditional production methods and heavily peated whiskies. Kilchoman releases a range of expressions, including their core range and limited edition releases. The Machir Bay and Sanaig expressions are highly regarded by whisky lovers.
7. Lagavulin Distillery: Located near Port Ellen, Lagavulin is renowned for its iconic peaty and smoky whiskies. Established in 1816, this distillery produces rich and full-bodied expressions that are often described as ‘peat monsters.' The Lagavulin 16-year-old is a classic expression loved by many whisky connoisseurs.
8. Laphroaig Distillery: Situated on the Southern coast of Islay, Laphroaig is known for its heavily peated and medicinal whiskies. Dating back to 1815, this distillery has a loyal following of fans who appreciate its distinctive flavor profile. The Laphroaig 10-year-old and Laphroaig Quarter Cask are popular choices among whisky enthusiasts.
9. Port Charlotte Distillery: Port Charlotte is a brand under the Bruichladdich umbrella, known for producing heavily peated whiskies. While Port Charlotte doesn't have its own dedicated distillery, the spirit is produced at the Bruichladdich distillery using traditional methods. Port Charlotte whiskies are highly peated and often have a maritime influence.
Each of these distilleries offers a unique experience and a chance to explore the diverse flavors and characteristics of Islay whiskies. From the peaty and smoky expressions of Ardbeg and Lagavulin to the more approachable offerings of Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich, there is something to suit every whisky lover's palate on this enchanting island.