Islay is one of the seven wonders of the whisky world. For a location as remote as it is – situated off the west coast of Scotland, adjacent to the Kintyre Peninsula – it has certainly had a profound and long-lasting effect on the glowing reputation and unique flavour profile of Scotch whisky.
Islay’s whisky is famed for its peaty, smoke-driven characteristics and robust aroma; it’s a divisive and often challenging style of the spirit for those new to the category. However, for connoisseurs, such challenges represent great commitment and reward: the distinct profiles of local whiskies such as Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Bowmore, Caol Ila and Kilchoman have come to define Islay’s style, winning legions of fans the world over. Now, another name will proudly sit alongside these legendary distilleries, itself perhaps the most fabled of all.
