The Islay Whisky Experience on the island of Islay is one you will never forget , whether you like whisky or not. Those in the ‘whisky know’ state that “Somewhere in the world, right now, somebody is drinking Scotch whisky produced on a small island off Scotland’s rugged west coast.”
Water of Life
However, ‘uisge beatha’, or ‘water of life’ – as whisky is often known – is not always the first characteristic of Islay to intoxicate the visitor.
At each of these small settlements, you will find small, carefully whitewashed distilleries that have grown up over centuries and which, by a combination of nature, alchemy and time – not to mention the gentle hand and keen nose of the distiller – turn out some of the most sought after liquid in the world. There are five more of these magical places, across the island, many of which provide tours and quality refreshment.
If you’re lucky, you might get the chance to taste a recently distilled, peat-fired spirit that will not see the light of day for another 20 or 30 years and which may live almost as long on your palate.
An offer to enjoy the Islay whisky experience in luxury, included in the offer:
- Private flight from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Islay
- Chauffeur driven tour of the distilleries
- Whisky expert & guide
- Choice of two distillery tours & tastings with visits to two others included, time permitting
- Luxury packed lunch provided
- Transfers included from city centre locations to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports
- Bottle of whisky to take home
Islay Distilleries
Southern distilleries
- Ardbeg – The most phenolic (smokey) malt in the business.
- Laphroaig – The award winning family of Laphroaig Whiskies ranges from the rich, pungent 10 Year Old
to the smooth and exceptionally rare 25 Year Old. - Lagavulin – Peated malt, slow distillation and long maturation together ensure Lagavulin develops
a complex, rich, peaty character and is a spirit which likes to take its time.
Northern distilleries
- Bruichladdich (the ‘ch’ is silent) – The distillery produces mainly single malt Scotch whisky.
- Bunnahabhain (‘Boona-hah-ven’) – This is not a typical, heavily peated, smoke-filled Islay – instead it
lets the sea and the island’s nature speak naturally. - Bowmore– Peaty but not medicinal, with some toffee, some floral scents, and traces of linseed oil.
- Caol Ila (‘Cal-eela’), – Produces a delicate, greenish malt, with some peat/iodine/salt balanced by floral notes and a peppery finish.
- Kilchoman -(pronounced kilhoman) is a farm distillery. The whole production process is done on Islay including growing their own Barley on the Island.
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