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Whether the single malts of the Scottish islands deserve their own whisky region is a matter of debate. We have dedicated a separate category to this exciting and diverse Scotch Whisky. Because simply categorising it under the Highlands, like some literature, does not seem appropriate to us. From the citrus-fruity Arran single malt to the maritime-smoky Talisker on the Isle of Skye and up to the storm-lashed Orkney Islands with the smooth Highland Park. There's a lot to discover with Island Whisky. Many islands in Scotland now have their own distilleries such as Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and the young Raasay Distillery. With Scotch island whisky, you can expect the full range of Scotch whisky flavours from mild, sweet and fruity to strongly smoky and heavy. Try the island whiskies in advance with our Scotch Whisky Tasting Samples. Simply set the filter to Islands under Region and you will be shown all available samples of island whiskies. Have fun discovering them!

The Scottish Island Whiskies

Opinions differ as to whether the Scottish Islands really are a separate whisky region. In some whisky industries they are attributed to the West Highlands. This attribution is particularly questionable in the case of Arran and the Orkneys. Because Arran is on the west coast, but still below Glasgow, while the Orkneys in the far north brave the stormy tides. The island distilleries were probably often simply subordinated to the Highlands, since there were only a few island distilleries for a long time. But that too is currently changing. Because up until the mid 90's there were only five traditional malt whisky distilleries on the islands: Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Jura on the Isle of Jura, Talisker on the Isle of Skye, Highland Park and Scapa on the Orkneys. With the opening of the then new Arran Distillery on the island of the same name, a new era began for the islands. Today Arran is called Lochranza Distillery and with Lagg it even got a second distillery on the Isle of Arran. The island of Raasay now also has its own distillery, right next to Skye, where Talisker and Torabhaig also produce smoky Scotch whisky today. Lewis and Harris also has two new distilleries, Abhainn Dearg and Harris Distillery. The small island of Barra also got its own distillery.

What do Island whiskies taste like?

One cannot really speak of a uniform character in this region. The differences are too great, the whiskies too different. The peaty, smoky powerhouse Talisker could be a brother of Islay's Lagavulin. The taste of the soft, elegant Isle of Jura, on the other hand, would probably be assumed to come from the Speyside area. At Arran Single Malts, tangy citrus fruits await you in the nosing glass. At least a breeze of sea air can be found in most bottlings of the island malts.

Tasting tips: Single malt classics from the islands

When it comes to Island malts, two stars shine particularly brightly: Highland Park from the Orkneys and Talisker from the Isle of Skye. Both are great whiskies full of character and deservedly classics with a large following. Highland Park has a style all of its own with its almost oily body, pronounced heather sweetness and notes of salt and smoke. The mighty Talisker is reminiscent of its cousins, the Islay whiskys, with its powerful peaty character.

Our island whisky insider tips

Often underestimated, but extremely interesting and versatile: Tobermory, from the Isle of Mull. Two single malts come from this distillery, which is one of the oldest in Scotland. Sold under the distillery name Tobermory, the single malt is distilled from unpeated barley. In addition to fruity and spicy notes, there is a delicate maritime note. The malt whisky sold as Ledaig, on the other hand, is heavily peated and therefore definitely something for Islay lovers. Either way, both mull malts are worth discovering.