Islay Distilleries

There are countless distilleries in Scotland, but one small island boasts eight. Islay is home to some of the world’s most famous whiskies, renowned for their smoky, medicinal intensity. The southern shores boast three huge names – Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin, on a lovely stretch of coastline, and tours are available at all. The Ardbeg tour in particular is excellent and their cafe is one of the best places to eat on the island. The smaller Kilchoman distillery is interesting, as its small farm set-up is closest to the original spirit of whisky, when every village on the island had its own still. But the real connoisseurs make a beeline in May for the Fèis Ìle, the annual island festival, when there are special events at all the distilleries.