Scotland gave the world scotch whiskey, which is considered the most elite and delicious, although, of course, there are lovers of both American bourbon and whiskey from other countries without a characteristic smoky note. However, in Scotland itself, this noble distillate is divided into subspecies, depending on the place of production.
Island whiskey is made from barley grown on saline soils, besides, notes of not only peat, but also local spices, herbs and flowers are felt in its taste.
In this category, whiskey from the Hebrides can be singled out separately, since this is where most of the production is located. The islands of Islay (Isla), Arran, Mull and Skye deserve special mention.
Island whiskey is almost always single malt. Officially, the local whiskey belongs to the highlands, but this is only a formality in order to somehow classify the island’s alcohol production. In addition, most of the local distilleries appeared and operated illegally for a long time, since it was difficult for representatives of the law to get to the islands.
Islay (Islay)
The most famous island with its own whiskey production. Local alcohol is always peaty, with a strong smoky flavor, there are also notes of resin, leather, smoked fish, even barbecue. The Ardbeg distillery located here has been operating for over 200 years, and you can try Ardbeg Kelpie whiskey to get acquainted with its products. The nuances of seaweed, allspice, vanilla and tropical fruits have merged together in this drink.
Jura
Less than 200 people live on the tiny island, exactly one pub and one hotel have been built here. However, for the distillery of the same name – Jura – there was still a place.
This is a fairly young production, created in the 1950s. Its peculiarity is unusually high distillation columns, due to which the distillate is less strong than under normal conditions. The visiting card of the island is Jura 10 Year Old whiskey, which can be bought at a very affordable price of just $55. The main notes are hazelnut, coffee and cocoa, and the finish note is smoked.
Arran (Arran)
This island is called “Scotland in miniature”, because in the north it embodies the rocky nature of the Scottish highlands, and in the south it is covered with abundant pastures and flowering meadows of the lowlands. The local whiskey is just as complex and controversial: relatively light, floral-citrusy, not smoked, almost without smoke.
In the flourishing southern part, distilleries began to appear as early as the 1800s. In the north, the production of Arran Distillery was built only in the 1990s. For an introduction to this style, try The Arran Malt 12 Years Old Cask Strength. As the name implies, this whiskey is aged in an oak barrel for 12 years, and notes of honey and heather, cocoa, cinnamon and cloves are felt in its taste. Despite such a luxurious bouquet, the drink costs only $70 per bottle.
Mall (Mull)
The second largest island of the Inner Hebrides pleases with a variety of flora and fauna, and, of course, whiskey. The local distillery Tobermory Distillery is considered one of the oldest in the country – it was founded in 1798. Much has changed since then, but two types of single malt whiskey have remained unchanged: the peaty and sharp Ledaig and the light, fruity Tobermory.
The $1996 Ledaig 190 Vintage was created from the oldest spirits distilled in this distillery. In addition to a distinct smoky flavor, it has notes of black pepper and mint.
Skye
The taste of whiskey from this island can be described in two words: smoked and salty. The oldest working local distillery, Talisker, was founded in 1825 and produces one of the most peaty single malts in all of Scotland.
In aged samples, in addition to smoke and sea water, fruits and cereals, vanilla are also felt. For example, Talisker Storm costs only $66, and in its bouquet you can catch fire smoke, honey and salted caramel. Talisker is officially the island’s largest distillery.
Orkney archipelago
The Orkney archipelago consists of more than 70 islands, this is the northernmost part of the country, still remembering the times of the Vikings and northerners. There is little vegetation and almost no trees at all, respectively, local peat gives a very different flavor than its counterparts from other parts of Scotland. Whiskey from the Orkney Islands is grassy, with a pine-resinous flavor, earthy notes and sweetish nuances of honey.
You can get acquainted with the brand with the help of, for example, Highland Park Valkyrie – the bouquet of this drink reveals the tones of honeycombs, chamomile and ginger, and the finish is very dry. Before the opening of the Swedish distillery Box Distillery in 2010, Highland Park was the northernmost distillery in the world.
