The top 10 Islay whiskies from Scotland's famous 'whisky island' named
From Bunnahabhain to Laphroaig, the best whisky from Islay has been crowned.
Islay's top whiskies have been named in a new list. The Inner Hebrides island is renowned around the world for its iconic whisky distilleries.
For anybody looking to purchase a bottle of Scotland's National Drink, either for themselves or for somebody else, Islay is a good place to start. However, despite its small size, there are still countless different whiskies from its nine active distilleries to choose from.
Whisky-Online Shop has rounded up the "top 10 Islay single malt whiskies". The whiskies on the list were praised by the retailer for their "big, smoky, peaty flavours".
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See below for the full list of the "top 10 Islay single malt whiskies". Further information about each one can be found on the Whisky-Online Shop website.
1. Bunnahabhain 2016-2024 | 8 Year Old Signatory Vintage 100 Proof Edition 31
This is a small-batch eight-year-old single malt that was bottled in 2024. It originated from first and second-fill sherry butts, and features notes of toffee, fudge, chocolate, and caramel.
The Bunnahabhain 8 Year Old Signatory Vintage 100 Proof Edition 31 is available to purchase from The Whisky Barrel at a price of £50.76. It can also be bought from The Really Good Whisky Company for £47.99.
2. Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Range
The Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Range was aged for a decade and has a smoky flavour profile. Aromas include almond, pear, and vanilla, while key lime pie and anise are among the tasting notes.
A bottle of the Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old Discovery can be purchased from Master of Malt for £48.95—down from the usual price of £57.87. The whisky is also in stock at The Whisky Exchange for the same price.
3. Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
The Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old was first introduced in summer 2010, and was matured in high-quality bourbon and sherry casks. It includes floral notes and fresh citrus, as well as roasted nuts and sea salt.
The whisky is currently in stock at The Whisky Exchange at a cost of £45.75. Elsewhere, it is available from Tesco for £45.50.
Whisky
4. Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Range
Like the Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old, this was bottled by Gordon and MacPhail for their Discovery range. It features notes of marmalade, vanilla, cinnamon, plums, walnut, and milk chocolate.
The Bunnahabhain 11 Year Old - Discovery can currently be purchased from Master of Malt for £48.95. The whisky is also being sold by The Whisky Exchange for the same cost.
5. Macleod's Islay Single Malt
Macleod's Islay Single Malt is a strong and smoky whisky that is produced in very limited quantities. The small-batch malt is popular for its notes of smoke, peat, and seaweed.
At the moment, Tesco is selling Macleod's Islay Single Malt for £45.51.
6. Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish
The Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish is a full-bodied single malt that comes from the iconic Laphroaig distillery. Finished in sherry oak casks, its notes include honey, leather, treacle, maple syrup, and pine needles.
A bottle of the whisky can be purchased from The Whisky Exchange for £55.95. Elsewhere, Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish is in stock at The Whisky Shop at a price of £60.
7. Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old Small Batch Distilled
Another whisky from Bunnahabhain, its 30 Year Old Small Batch Distilled has undergone three decades of maturation. Matured specially in ex-sherry casks, the rich and sweet dram has notes of caramel, stewed berries, and spiced oak.
Master of Malt is currently selling the Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old Small Batch Distilled for £583.99. Meanwhile, it can also be bought for £671 from The Whisky Exchange.
8. Peat's Beast Cask Strength
Peat's Beast Cask Strength is a unique whisky that is bottled at cask strength, allowing its full depth and complexity to be showcased. The heavily peated malt is known for its notes of seaside air and bonfire ember.
Peat's Beast Cask Strength can be purchased from Master of Malt for £59.95. Tesco also sells the whisky for £54.85.
9. Big Peat
This is a blended Islay malt that includes spirit from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore, and Port Ellen. Smoke, dark chocolate, pine, almond, and cinnamon can all be detected.
At the moment, a bottle of Big Peat is available to buy at a price of £38.75 from The Whisky Exchange. It is also sold by Master of Malt for the same price.
10. Kilchoman Machir Bay & Sanaig 20cl Gift Pack
Finally, the Kilchoman Machir Bay & Sanaig 20cl Gift Pack would be well-suited as a present—especially with Father's Day coming up. The set includes the Kilchoman Machir Bay and Kilchoman Sanaig whiskies.
It is sold by The Whisky Shop for £57, though is currently out of stock. Full bottles of the two whiskies can also be bought for £41.25 and £69 from The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt respectively.