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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 Wee Beastie 5 Year Old Whisky Review

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 yo single malt Whisky

There’s a new Beast in town, and it doesn’t waste time making an impression. The Ardbeg Wee Beastie storms into the lineup as a 5 year old Islay single malt, delivering the raw, untamed character you’d expect from one of Scotland’s most iconic smoky distilleries. Launched just a few years after the Ardbeg An Oa, this is now the youngest permanent expression in the core range, and it wears that youth like a badge of honour.

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Ardbeg Corryvreckan Whisky: Islay Beast Worth the Hype?

Ardbeg Corryvreckan single malt whisky header

 

In honour of Ardbeg Day, I poured a dram of Ardbeg Corryvreckan whisky. This bottle has built a serious reputation among peat lovers. Marketed as the embodiment of “the untamed spirit of Islay,” the Ardbeg Corryvreckan whisky was released as a permanent replacement for Airigh Nam Beist.

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