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This flight fogs the nose and mouth with the smokiest southeastern whiskies. From cigars to barbecues to campfires by the beach, the level of peat in these drams are not to be messed with. Warning: the Islay fumes reveal many layers of pungent flavours. Sip at your own risk.
| Type | Scotch |
| Style | Single Malt |
| Region | Islay |
| Country | Scotland |
| Distillery | Caol Ila |
| ABV % | 43 |
| Aged | 12 |
Yellow, gold, or mahogany—do these colours matter?
Well, they tell us what type of oak barrels the whiskies were aged in and how fresh the barrels are as oak barrels lose their ability to transfer colour over time. The colours also give us a clue on what was previously in the barrel, forming terms like ex-bourbon and ex-sherry. So, yes! The whisky experience starts with the eyes.
Washed along our shores is a classic Islay rendition of smoky and sweet, garnished with just the right amount of herbs and spices. Taking a sip is reminiscent of a trip along the coastline. There are hidden notes with the ebb and flow of every sniff and sip. Be excited: there’s much more to peat in the 12-year-old Caol Ila.
The Caol Ila distillery got its name from the Gaelic phrase Caol Ìle which means the Sound of Islay or the Islay Strait. Founded by Hector Handerson in 1846, the distillery overlooks the strait between Islay and Jura—what a view! It has since changed multiple hands over the years and is now under the care of Diageo—one of the largest producers of spirits and beers.
| Type | Scotch |
| Style | Single Malt |
| Region | Islay |
| Country | Scotland |
| Distillery | Laphroaig |
| ABV % | 43 |
| Aged | 10 |
Whisky caramel (E150) may be added to some large commercial bottlings for aesthetic purpose or to even out the colour for consistency. It is legally allowed in most countries as distilleries claim that the colouring doesn’t affect the flavours.
This 10-year-old is the OG, or rather, the OL—the original Laphroaig. An excellent representation of what an Islay scotch should be: full of peat and medicinal notes. It’s pretty much the same Laphroaig that was invented 75 years ago by a guy named Ian Hunter, or at least it is still distilled the same way.
A little birdy told us that Prince Charles of Wales is a fan of Laphroaig whiskies. We might as well crown Laphroaig king—a “royal” distillery founded by Donald and Alexander Johnston in 1815, based in Port Ellen, Isle of Islay.
There has been a huge demand for Laphroaig whiskies. Fans go wild over their limited expressions. What can we say? Once you go Laphroaig, drinking whisky will never be the same.
| Type | Scotch |
| Style | Single Malt |
| Region | Islay |
| Country | Scotland |
| Distillery | Ardbeg |
| ABV % | 46 |
| Aged | 10 |
Storing highly flammable alcohol is risky anywhere. Storing them in bulk shouts danger. As a safety measure, many Scottish distilleries distribute their casks to other distilleries for storage and maturation. So if one warehouse burns down (touch wood), not all is lost.
The beast, the dragon in the dungeon, the ultimate Islay classic. Practically breathes smoke or it wouldn’t be awarded as one of the world’s peatiest malts.
The Ardbeg 10 Year Old is the holy grail of whiskies amongst peat and malt devotees. Its innate peatiness makes it highly collectable and desirable. There aren’t many in the market and its value increases over time. Top that with a list of credentials, including the title as World Whisky of the Year by Jim Murray in 2008. This makes the 10-year-old Ardbeg a considerably good investment.
First opened in the 18th century, the Ardbeg distillery itself is among the greatest on the planet. It is located on the south coast of the Isle of Islay, Argyll, and Bute. Though it has gone through many owners (now owned by Louis Moët Hennessy), closed and reopened several times, the doctrine in making the sacred Ardbeg hasn’t changed.
