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Islay Whisky | The Mother of all Whiskies

Written on December 6, 2017   By   in business

Scotland, unlike any other place in the world. It has been famous for its uniqueness and perfection when it comes to whiskies. The act of whiskey distillation in Scotland has been evolving over the years. You might be surprised to learn that, whisky distillation in Scotland actually started when the Scottish people tried to make some use of the rain-soaked barley by turning it into the spirit. Scotland distilleries, although all perfect, produces whiskies that are very different and unique from each other. It is actually possible to identify the distillery just by the taste of the whisky.

The source of the water and the type of cask used during distillation are some of the factors that make these whiskeys very different from each other. Each distillery in Scotland boasts of its own heritage, taste, and uniqueness and in this article, we will be focusing on Islay whisky to show you the uniqueness and the beauty of this Scotch whisky.

About Islay Whiskey

Islay is located off the Scotland’s west coast. It boasts of amazing rocky bays and inlets which are sheltered and in this beautiful place in Scotland, eight operating distilleries are sheltered. Islay is probably one of the areas in Scotland that boast of the largest number of active distilleries. It is no surprise that it has been crowned as the Whisky Land of Scotland!

Whisky distillation in Islay has withstood the test of time, and it is said that most of the Islay’s distilleries started off as farm distilleries. However, most of its original distilleries are said to have run into secluded glens or caves after the introduction of exercise duty in the 17th century. This is how far the history of whisky runs!

It is believed that the practice of whisky distillation was learnt from Ireland. Introduced in Islay by the monks. Islay provided an ideal whiskey distillation environment primarily because of the presence of spring water, barley and also peat. The presence of these raw materials meant that the distillation process would go on uninterrupted and with minimal costs.

It is possible to identify Islay’s single malts due to their unique peat that is not so common in other areas. The peat which has been burned in strong kilns. With the aim of drying the malted barley is very different from any other peat from another city.

Islay whisky is very famous for its smokiness. Which is made unique by the scarce notes of seaweed and also the aroma of the sea air. Salty spray penetrating through the deep peat’s layers. Seeping into the stores and the warehouses storing the maturing casks. This has resulted in pungent, sweet malts which are powerful and unique.

In all respect, the talk of whisky is never complete without the mention of Islay whiskies. Or one of its many distillers. What makes Islay even more unique is the presence of various attraction centres and physical features. Making a whisky session even more beautiful and adventurers as you sip a dram of one of their finest whiskies.

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