Islay Whisky

Islay is the home of peated Scotch. Its distilleries traditionally dry their malted barley over peat fires, which gives the island's whisky its smoke, iodine and sea-spray character. Shop classic Islay names including Laphroaig, Bowmore, Ardbeg and Caol Ila, alongside smoky blended malts such as Smokehead.

Not every Islay whisky is heavily smoky: Bowmore and Caol Ila sit at the gentler end, while Laphroaig and Ardbeg are bold and medicinal. If you like coastal character but less smoke, try the Island whiskies of Orkney, Mull and Jura, or browse all single malt whisky.

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Frequently asked questions

Is all Islay whisky peated?

No. Most Islay distilleries are known for peat, but some release unpeated or lightly peated whisky, and the level of smoke varies a lot from one distillery to the next.

What does ppm mean on a whisky label?

Phenol parts per million: a measure of how much peat smoke is in the malted barley before distillation. Laphroaig and Ardbeg use barley at roughly 40 to 55ppm, which is why they taste so smoky.

What is a good Islay whisky for beginners?

Bowmore 12 or Caol Ila 12. Both have clear Islay smoke but plenty of sweetness and fruit to balance it, so they're easier to enjoy than the heaviest peated malts.

Which Islay whisky makes a good gift?

Laphroaig 10 is the classic for anyone who loves smoke. For a collector, an older Bowmore or a limited release is more special.