Islay
Islay single malts are single malt Scotch whiskies made on Islay, one of the southernmost islands of the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. Islay is one of the five legally recognised Scotch whisky regions, and it is widely associated with distinctive peated styles.
The region is known for whiskies with a peat smoke aroma, including well-known examples such as Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. These malts are often described as smoky, maritime, and intensely characterful, which has helped make Islay one of the most recognisable names in Scotch whisky.
Despite measuring only about 25 by 15 miles (40 by 24 kilometres), Islay has ten active distilleries, and whisky remains one of the island’s most important industries after agriculture. The island is also a major destination for whisky tourism and hosts the annual Fèis Ìle, or Festival of Malt and Music, in late May, with events and tastings that celebrate Islay’s cultural heritage.