Whisky of the Week review and tasting notes for whisky from the Islay whisky region in Scotland.
Despite the small size of the island and the limited amount of distilleries, the Hebridean island of Islay is considered as one of the most distinct regions. Because of this, Islay has become a centre of “whisky tourism”. The whiskies from Islay are known for their powerful smoky, peaty character.
Currently there are nine Islay distilleries. They incude Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Port Charlotte. The famous Port Ellen distillery closed its doors in 1983. Bruichladdich is the only distillery on the island that merely produces unpeated single malt whisky.
Few whisky regions inspire as much loyalty among enthusiasts as Islay. Known for its wild Atlantic weather, rugged coastline, and heavy peat influence, the island produces some of the most distinctive whiskies in the world. Among its most recognised drams are the iconic Ardbeg 10 year old and the elegant Caol Ila 12 year old.
Read More »Ardbeg 10 vs Caol Ila 12: Two Classic Islay Single Malts Compared
Another island-versus-island showdown; this time between two of the most characterful maritime single malts on the market. Today, I am deep-diving into Caol Ila 12 vs Talisker 10, two peated island whiskies that have earned cult followings for good reason.
Read More »Caol Ila 12 vs Talisker 10: Which Island Icon to Choose?
If you know about peaty whisky, the name “Lagavulin 16 year old” is bound to cross your path. This single malt whisky has become a cult classic, often serving as the measuring stick for Islay peatiness.
When it comes to heavily peated Scotch whisky, few debates spark more passion among whisky fans than Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail single malt whisky. These two iconic Islay single malts sit at the heart of the Ardbeg core range and represent everything peat lovers crave: smoke, power, complexity, and unmistakable maritime character.
Over the holidays I cracked open a bottle of Laphroaig Select single malt Scotch whisky. Created around 2010, this expression takes classic Laphroaig DNA, peated spirit matured in ex-bourbon barrels, and blends it with whisky that has spent time in a variety of other casks.
It feels like a peat focused year and this week is no exception. The spotlight this week is shining on the Laphroaig Four Oak Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Peated whiskies always seem to beckon me from the shelves when it comes time to choose, and this particular expression has certainly piqued my interest.