Six great Islay whiskies

Written By Dave Broom

Dave Broom hand-picks six Islay whiskies that capture the often wildly contrasting styles of smoke and peat to be found on the island

1. Ardbeg Uigeadail 

Heavily peated. Full-on power: smoke, soot, and tar. There’s leather, raisins, treacle, salt but also sweet fruit. 54.2%

£63

2. Bruichladdich Islay Barley

Unpeated. Grown, distilled and bottled on the island. Blossom, fresh fruits, honey, yellow plum, and a tickle of sweet spice. 50%

£67

Read more: The 12 bottles you need for the perfect whisky cabinet

Bunnahabhain 18

3. Bunnahabhain 18 year old

Unpeated. Rich, dried fruits, gingerbread, black cherry, chestnut and a hint of malt. The best 18-year-old on the market? 46.3%

£128

4. Caol Ila 12

Medium peated, lighter, and grassy with hints of pear among the sea-washed rocks and lobster creels. 43%

£47

5. Kilchoman Machir Bay

Medium peated. Citric and fresh, touch of fresh scallop, light fragrant smoke, creamy toffee. 46%

£45

6. Lagavulin 16 year old

Heavily peated. Complex mix of resin, pipe tobacco, lapsang souchong tea, seaweed. Deep and resonant.  43%

£85

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