Come for the Scotch, stay for… more Scotch.
If you thoughtScotlandwas all aboutwhisky , well , you would n’t be entirely wrong . Much likeKentuckyin the States , the magical UK nation is nigh synonymous with the carefully aged purport , its 30,000 square miles hosting nigh 150 distilleries spread over five distinct whiskey - pull in part . But as with its US counterpart , booze is n’t the only understanding to call Scotland — fairytale architecture , old age - old football rivalries , slew edge restaurants , verdant national ballpark , top universities , riveting museum , and spark blue lochs all have equal rock . That is , unless you ’re blab out about Islay . Because there , it really is all about the whiskey .
“ Prunus ilicifolia is beautiful , rugged , serene , and abundant , with a very strong horse sense of place , and an ever - evolve and supportive residential district , ” says proud Islay occupier andArdbeg Distilleryvisitor center manager Jackie Thomson . “ I love so many things — the huge skies , the unforgiving seas , birdsong , rut stags , tractors , single track roads , wit , and wisdom … and the whisky , of form . ”
Islay’s — pronouncedeye - luh — hyper - centering on whisky has been obvious to Scots for genesis , but that was n’t always the case when it comes to out - of - towners . Legend has it that Scotch whisky was really born on the island back in the 1300s , when a group of visiting Irish monks flexed their distilling attainment on the small Inner Hebridean outcrop . Not only did the locals enjoy the hooch , but the monk were charmed to detect that the expanse provided an teemingness of ingredients necessary for make believe majuscule whisky . knight the Jewel of the Hebrides by the Lord of the Isles , Islay is flush with vitreous silica decipherable water germ , excellent dirt for acquire barley , and vigor - create peat perfect for fuel distillery . Whisky , it seems , was off to the races .
VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins
“ I had the good luck of being introduce by a Scotsman in Scotland to scotch whisky back in 1983 , ” say Olaf Meier , longtime ambassador and current chairman of the esteemedScotch Malt Whisky Society . “ I ’d been to England — Yorkshire , down in Devon , and what have you — but this gentleman’s gentleman order , ‘ No , Olaf , you have n’t hear the well part of Britain : You have to come to Scotland . ’ ”
That encounter sparked Meier ’s lifelong love occasion with whisky , one that conduct him on a whirlwind pub crawl from Speyside ’s northern reach out down to the profoundness of the Lowlands and , of course , to Islay , famous for steep its whiskies with a big , burly dose of peat smoke . Yet this was the former 1980s , a meter whendelicate blended whiskiesquickly dominated the mainstream market and Islay ’s aggressivesingle maltsplummeted out of favor , cause many of the island ’s distilleries to close their one C - quondam doors . It was , as Meier would before long see at first hand , the complete time to diagram a rejoinder .
“ I get it on the country , I loved the citizenry , and I loved the whisky , of line , ” Meier recalls . “ I come back to Germany and tell my friends about this fantastic find and they allege , ‘ Forget it . ’ These cat only knew Johnnie Walker , Bell ’s , Teachers , Famous Grouse , Chivas Regal . So I said , ‘ No , no , no , you have to drink single malts ! ’ And they said , ‘ Single what ? ’ ”
VisitScotland/John Duncan
Word eventually spread , and thanks to the drive of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and other industry counselor-at-law , Scotland ’s unequalled and various individual malt liquor start to pick up steam around the populace . And no whisky - making region benefited from this newfound hunger quite like Islay , where one - prison term single malt liquor heavyweight like Laphroag , Lagavulin , Bowmore , and Ardbeg bounce back with cask - strength vigor .
“ I ’d never tell you , probably I should tell you , but I do n’t , that we have the good whiskey in the humanity , because there ’s lots and fortune of other whiskey which are also superb , ” says Meier . “ But what we do have is that community — whiskey brings people together . ”
If you ’re ready to make like Meier and lay out off on your very own whisky spell through the res publica of kilt and bagpipes , this magical petty island is a terrific place to get your feet — and your whistle — good and sloshed . Here ’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to Islay , Scotland .
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society UK
Best places for first timers to visit in Islay
“ On Islay , visitors have the opportunity to have a sensory experience at a distillery , to interact with nature , to find peace , to have ‘ slap-up crack ’ in the pub with local anaesthetic , or to determine sail on the Atlantic to find baby seal , ” says Thomson . “ Even if you have only two day , I ’d urge a whistlestop tour along the north or south coasts to cast in at the distilleries and have a chat . ”
First and first of all , follow Thomson ’s edict of operations and check out the distilleries . There are currently nine whisky producer on the island , and between tours , tasting , onsite pubs , and epic prospect , each can keep you busy for hours at a clock time . Non - booze activities are also up for catch , include hitting the links at theMachrie Hotel , browse the shop class in Port Ellen , charter a boat and venture out into the chilly sea , traversing historic landmarks date back centuries , and simply enjoy the peacefulness that touches every inch of the island .
“ There is expectant seafood , dozens of deafen silence , and sentence goes ever so slightly more lento , ” Thomson adds . “ Tourism can be very transient , but Islay is tempting and has a path of calling people back , again and again . ”
VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins
Distilleries to visit in Islay
intelligibly , you ’re here for the whisky . Dip your toes into the overproof waters at any one of the island ’s nine operations . In alphabetical social club , they are : Ardbeg , Ardnahoe , Bowmore , Bruichladdich , Bunnahabhain , Caol Ila , Kilchoman , Lagavulin , andLaphroaig . They ’re further categorized into four mini - region , with Ardbeg , Laphroaig , and Lagavulin cast anchor in Port Ellen , Port Charlotte playing host to Bruichladdich and Kilchoman , Port Askaig corroborate Bunnahabhain , Caol Ila , and Ardnahoe , and Bowmore Distillery bringing up the behind in its namesake Bowmore . And while , for the most part , the scent of depart arcdegree of peat gage bring them together , the “ you ’ve see one , you ’ve seen them all ” attitude definitely does not apply here .
“ All the distilleries have their own trenchant characteristic , ” says Thomson . “ Ardbeg has been here for over 200 years and don its history well — there ’s a beautiful balance between the disruptive yesteryear and the witty , irregular agency that the write up of today ’s whiskies are told . hitch guides are build up with lots of cognition and go can straddle from ego - administered taste to an in - profundity , forensic turn of the production process . ”
Onsite offering differ depending on which distillery you chaffer , but all of them feature visitant centers where you’re able to pop in to learn more about tours , tastings , and other events plus pick up some bottle or merch to take home . Many spell can also be book forwards of time online ( recommended during the interfering seasons ) . Ardbeg , Ardnahoe , Caol Ila , Kilchoman , Laphroaig , and Lagavulin also house their own bar area where you ’re welcome to post up for a drachm and an informative chat with the staff , and a few even wait on food to pluck up all those tasters .
Ardbeg
Nature and outdoor experiences in Islay
Even in driving rain , Islay ’s born beauty is gruelling to deny . The green roll hills , sempiternal miles of peat bog , dramatic cliff side , unfastened seas with picturesque beaches , and historical sites that see back to knightly times and beyond . And it ’s all at your fingertips .
“ Without a doubt , tie in with the open air and the elements and nature , ” Thomson advises . “ A long walk on a windy beach with sand between the toe , the three distilleries path and , if the weather tolerate , a wee wildlife gravy holder misstep withIslay Sea Adventureswhere you might spot dolphins , seal , and sea eagles . ”
On Islay ’s southwest street corner , you ’ll find theAmerican Monument , a stunning rock tower erect as a tribute to two US warships that met their end in the jerky water some 400 ft below at the close of World War I. The surround Oa is a recognizedRoyal Society for the Protection of Birds nature reserve , and a amble up the sloping , rocky peninsula culminates in one of the most captivating diorama in the UK .
VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins
Over on the island ’s southeast seacoast , Kildalton Cross , an incredibly well preserved and attractively detailed Celtic cross build in the eighth 100 , guard a ruinous churchyard ideal for idyllic contemplation . And if you ’re hungry , you ’re in destiny , as an adorable self - serve up tea and patty handcart has define up shop beside the hallowed ground — it ’s essentially the definition of a blot out stone . “ All you do is protrude your pennies in a donation boxful , ” Thomson say . “ It ’s the art of the unexpected here that make the bar taste so sweet . ”
Where to eat and drink like a local in Islay
For an island the size of a stamp postage stamp , Islay has more than its clean ploughshare of fantastic home to eat and drink — and that ’s on top of all the toothsomeness found at the distilleries . And according to Thomson , there ’s a bite for just about every season .
“ Craigard Kitchen of Ballygrantis a favorite place to go when out for a spring walk in nearby Bridgend Woods , ” says the Islay local . “ A genuine family amour , it offer sumptuous patty prepared on internet site and simple , well - fill up toasties using lovely Scotch factor . Summer brings walks on the beach ( or adventurous wild swims ) and a delectable lunch atthe Oyster Shed at Gruinart . The kin farms creamy , tasty Pacific oyster on the island and has a kinky fare with lots of attentive factor — homemade chili jam , seaweed butter , focaccia , or a belter of a Phthirius pubis sandwich oozing with seaweed butter and saffron mayo . ”
“ I sleep with an evening repast at the Machrie Hotel in autumn , sitting in the refined eating house follow the sun go down over the Atlantic Ocean , ” she continue . “ In winter , a full-blooded homemade meal at theBridgend Hotelis a delicious view — it ’s a informal hotel with a affectionateness from both the ululate fire and the stave . ”
VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins
handle for a picnic ? Thomson has you covered on that front , too . “ TheSPAR delicatessensin both Bowmore and Port Ellen hide many treasures : charcuterie , cheese , sauce , collation , and great advice from the well-disposed faculty . I love a teensy-weensy meander to pick up some delightful food for thought and drinking , ” she say . “ A substantial treat is to call prior to your arrival on Islay and to book a seafood platter fromthe Seafood Shack — the owner is a fisher and he pick up the H.M.S. Bounty and his wife prepares it . pure . ”
And if you ’re still thirsty after that third distillery tour , there ’s no honorable post to post up than a classical Scottish pub . “ Hands down the good ‘ craic ’ and Robert William Service , with a balance of good drinks and great caller , is theArdview in Port Ellen — it ’s the center of the village , ” says Thomson . “ The Bowmore Hotel[also ] has an immense whisky collection and the ambience is pure Islay . ”
Hotels and other great places to stay in Islay
Since touristry is so key to Islay ’s success , finding a timber situation to put your head after a long day chasing whiskey is no job at all . The Machrie Hotel and Golf Links , place on a sprawling piece of seafront actual land , is one of the nicest outposts around . Inside , luxe add - ons like a spa and sauna complement roomy , handsomely appointed guest rooms and a fantastic kitchen and bar , while the solid ground fend for a beautifully designed 18 - hole course set on rolled dunes command the shoreline .
Other top - notch surface area lodgings include the historicBridgend Hotel , the family - runBallygrant Inn , the quaint , 12 - roomBowmore Hotel , the extremist - traditionalLochindaal Hotelin Port Charlotte , and laid - backPort Askaig Hotel , which come with well-heeled access to the ferryboat . Airbnbs also abound these years , and if you ’re pinched for cash , thePort Charlotte Youth Hostelwill become just ok .
What to know before you go to Islay
Best times of the year to visit
While Scotland is receptive to visitant any time of year — imbibition whisky is n’t exactly a seasonal natural process — the fall and spring stand out as the best time to bask all the island ’s offering .
“ I have sex fall — the gloss , the sunsets and break of day , and the incredibly knowledgeable whisky lovers who get to the island at this fourth dimension of year , ” muses Thomson . “ I also screw Spring , where there ’s a playfulness in the sky , woodland , and dirt . There is a warmth as we reverse our faces towards the sun with the birdie being more active and audible in the sky . Islay has been understood for so long through the wintertime – no chatter of visitors , no vapor trail , no bedlam . Then it bristle into life . ”
Summer is also an option , especially if you clock your tripper to late May’sFèis Ìle , or Islay Festival . The island ’s still go all out for the 10 - day carnival - like event celebrate Islay ’s unique flavor ( liquid and otherwise ) , and there ’s rarely a dull bit .
VisitScotland/Kenny Lam
Islay’s time zone
Islay fall under Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT ) . This translate to five hours ahead of New York ’s Eastern Standard Time and eight hours forward of California ’s Pacific Standard Time .
The weather and climate
Islay ’s weather is , in a word , unpredictable . Rain and idle words are year - round phenomena , though spring and summer thin siccative than fall and wintertime . In the summertime , temperatures are mild and cloud back is normal , with high make the modest 60s . Spring brings sunnier skies and tranquil wind , while a mist rolls in cum fall and wintertime is known for forgetful days , crisp temperature , and episodic storm . You cognize what they say — no rainwater , no whiskey .
How to get around
It ’s not so much getting around the island that ’s an offspring , it ’s dumbfound to the island . As for that , you have two option : by air or by sea . There ’s a miniscule airport in Islay , and depending on the weather condition and time of year , it receives one to three inboundLogan Air flightsfrom Glasgow per day , with a fast time of about 45 hour each way .
If you prefer the scenic route , there ’s always the ferry . The daily two - 60 minutes voyage departs from Kennacraig on the mainland and come at either Port Ellen or Port Askaig . It ’s a comfortable and beautiful ride , so long as you do n’t fall prey to sea nausea . Tickets are available on theCaledonian MacBrayne site .
Once on Islay , you ’ll find it quite small and easy to get at , with most power point of interestingness countersink around a single route that loops around the edge of the island . walk way of life abound , and it ’s easy to navigate many site via a internet of pavement and unpaved trail . Cycling is also a popular means of transport , and you ’ll frequently see small groups of bicycler touring the distillery on their bikes . As for cars , you could opt to get a rental over on the ferrying , or , well yet , arrange to engage a machine from one of a handful oftaxi companies or term of enlistment operatorsservicing the island — credibly a safer bet if you ’re there for the whisky , anyway .
VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins
The currency
Scotland uses the Pound Sterling and each dog pound is worth 100 pence . As of November of 2023 , $ 1 USD exchanges for £ 0.80 GBP .
International adapters you’ll need
All UK nation , admit Scotland , use hoopla type G , cross off by three orthogonal pins prepare into a Triangulum .
Islay Oysters
The Machrie
VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins
VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins
