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Islay Whisky

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.

Ardbeg An Oa Whisky Review – The Softer Side of Islay Smoke

Ardbeg An Oa single malt whisky header

When Ardbeg announced a new addition to its core range, fans of the smoky Islay distillery took notice. The Ardbeg An Oa single malt Scotch whisky was launched with plenty of fanfare; the first permanent expression to join the Ardbeg lineup since Corryvreckan in 2009. It joins the legendary Ardbeg 10 year old and Uigeadail, forming the backbone of Ardbeg’s core range.

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