Islay

The most distinctive of the regions — nine operating distilleries on a single Hebridean island, eight of which produce heavily peated whisky. Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Kilchoman, Ardnahoe, and the unpeated Bruichladdich. Islay's exposed maritime climate and use of locally-cut peat give the whiskies their characteristic smoky, medicinal, phenolic profile.