Island single malt

Island single malts are the single malt Scotch whiskies produced on the islands around the perimeter of the Scottish mainland. The islands (excluding Islay) are not recognised in the Scotch Whisky Regulations as a distinct whisky producing region, but are considered to be part of the Highland region.^[1] Islay is itself recognised as a distinct whisky producing region (see Islay whisky).

Whisky producing regions of Scotland

Other sources, however, indicate that the Islands, excluding Islay, constitute a sixth distinct region.^[2][3] This unofficial region includes the following whisky-producing islands: Arran, Jura, Mull, Orkney, and Skye: with their respective distilleries: Arran, Jura, Tobermory, Highland Park, Scapa, Talisker and Torabhaig.

The whiskies produced on the Islands are extremely varied and have few similarities, though can often be distinguished from other whisky regions by generally having a smokier flavour with peaty undertones. One source states that the flavour depends on the use of peat which "varies widely depending on the distiller".^[4]

Island malt distilleries

• Abhainn Dearg distillery, on Lewis
• Arran distillery, on Arran
• Harris distillery,on Harris
• Highland Park distillery, in Orkney
• Isle of Raasay distillery, on Raasay
• Jura distillery, on Jura
• Saxa Vord distillery, on Unst
• Scapa distillery, in Orkney
• Talisker distillery, on Skye
• Tobermory distillery, on Mull, producing Tobermory and Ledaig
• Torabhaig distillery, on Skye

In development

• Isle of Barra distillery, on Barra
• Orkney distillery,on Orkney
• Lerwick distillery,on Shetland.^[5]

See also

• List of whisky distilleries in Scotland