Why Is Islay Whisky Peaty?

Islay is more exposed to the elements than mainland Scotland. The climate, ocean, wind and rain all have an effect on the island, therefore the peat and the whisky made from Islay peated barley are unlike any other; more salty, maritime and medicinal than mainland peated whiskies.

Is Islay whisky peated?

Islay whiskies generally reverse the characteristics of Speysides, tending to be dry and peaty; behind the smoke, however, can be gentle mossy scents, and some spice. The southern Islay distilleries produce powerfully phenolic whiskies, with aromas redolent of tar, smoke, iodine and carbolic.

Is Islay running out of peat?

“Islay will never run out of peat, it's everywhere,” explains an exuberant Iain McArthur. He's spent more than four decades in the industry and is today a prominent face of Lagavulin, which sources its peat from the Castlehill peat bog on Islay.