Nowhere in Scotland is there a greater concentration of distilleries as Islay. With nine currently operational distilleries and a 10th closed legendary one it occupies a unique position in Scotland's whisky map.

The character of the whiskies is equally unique. Given the lack of coal on Islay, early distillers took to using peat to dry the malt in their kilns, this lent the barley a uniquely smoky, phenolic and medicinal character that has remained with the Island's whiskies ever since.

Even to this day some of the most famous and idiosyncratic of Scotland's distilleries are to be found on Islay. Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Bowmore all hail from this small inner Hebridean island, as do Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, recent addition Kilchoman and the cult legend that is Port Ellen.

Beneath that full-bodied, phenolic, peat driven character you'll also find extremely fruity whiskies, very coastal, Atlantic style drams, farmy, almost industrial style whiskies and even lighter ones such as modern era Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich which dispense with heavy peat in favour of coastal freshness and abundant fruits.

Whatever your taste, you might be surprised by the variety and rich diversity Islay has to offer.