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Islay Whisky
Introduction to Islay whisky
Islay is often referred to as the Queen of the Hebrides, a vast group of islands off the west coast of Scotland. There are just over 3,000 people living there, many of whom work in the whisky industry or tourism. Whisky enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to Islay throughout the year to immerse themselves in the Mecca of the Scottish whisky world. In the summer, the population triples, while during the famous Feis Ile whisky festival in May, there can be as many as 20,000 people on the island.
According to some sources, whisky has been distilled on Islay since the early 14th century, when Irish monks taught the craft to the local inhabitants. In the past, many Islay residents distilled whisky themselves. In their homes or on farms. Some of the older distilleries on the island originated from illegal whisky production. In the past, whisky was transported directly from the distillery to the mainland. This was done by boat, so it was logical to build a distillery by the water, which still creates iconic images today. The name of a distillery is almost always prominently displayed on one of the white-painted buildings, so it could easily be recognized from the sea.
Taste & style of Islay whisky
Not all whisky distilled on Islay is smoky. A large part of Bunnahabhain's production, for example, is without a trace of smoke. The same applies to Bruichladdich, which also releases heavily peated whiskies under the brand names Port Charlotte and Octomore. However, most distilleries exclusively produce smoky single malt whisky.
How do they get that smoky flavor into the whisky? It happens during the malting of the barley. That is the process where barley is soaked in water, allowing it to germinate. During this, starch is converted into sugar. However, the germination of the barley must be stopped. This can be done with hot air, but also by heating the barley with a peat fire. The smoke that is produced during a peat fire is absorbed into the barley. You can taste that flavor in the final whisky.
Famous Islay distilleries
Actually, all distilleries on Islay are famous, but the distilleries on the south side of the island are probably the most well-known. These are also known as the Kildalton distilleries.
ArdbegThis distillery is situated alone in a small inlet on the south coast of Islay, not far from Lagavulin and Laphroaig. Each year on Ardbeg Day, a new limited edition whisky is released. Previous releases included the Blaaack, Dark Cove, Perpetuum, Kelpie, and Alligator.
Laphroaig: one of the most pronounced whiskies and an enormously intense taste experience. That is Laphroaig. Laphroaig is one of the few distilleries that still malts some of its own barley. This is usually done in large specialized factories, but at Laphroaig, the malting floors have been deliberately preserved.
Lagavulin: the distillery was established in 1816 by John Johnston and is named after the rocky bay in which the distillery is located. In 1988, Lagavulin became one of the six original Classic Malts of Scotland.
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