ISLAY: Everything you SHOULD know!

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Welcome to my comprehensive guide to the Isle of Islay, a captivating destination known for its world-renowned whiskies. Join me as I take you on a journey through Islay's fascinating history, iconic distilleries, and the allure that makes whisky enthusiasts go crazy for this tiny picturesque island. Learn how to pronounce 'Islay' correctly and explore the intriguing story of how Islay became its own whisky region.
We'll delve into the notable distilleries, including the famous "big three" cult-status distilleries: Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin. Uncover the captivating tales behind Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, and other distilleries that shape Islay's whisky scene.
We'll also dive into the significance of peat and its smoky influence on Islay whiskies, discussing why they are either loved or loathed. Immerse yourself in Islay's vibrant festivals, like the Fèis Ìle, a week-long celebration of whisky and Scottish music.
Whether you're a whisky connoisseur or an enthusiastic traveller, Islay's rugged beauty, warm hospitality, and unique whiskies make it a must-visit destination. Join me on this virtual exploration and unravel the magic of Islay whisky. Don't miss out on my recommended whiskies outside of Islay that peaty whisky lovers will enjoy at the end of the video!
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00:00 Islay single malt scotch whisky
00:49 Islay pronunciation
01:10 Islay, Scotland - Explained
02:42 Islay's History
04:16 What is Islay Scotland known for? Peat & Smoke
06:59 How many distilleries are there in Islay?
07:32 Ardbeg / Where is Ardbeg Scotch made?
08:41 What is special about Laphroaig?
10:06 Is Lagavulin owned by Nick Offerman?
10:50 What type of whisky is Caol Ila?
11:49 Where is Bowmore Scotch from?
12:25 Is Bunnahabhain good?
13:08 Do they grow barley on Islay?
13:25 What type of whiskey is Bruichladdich?
14:30 Is Kilchoman smoky?
15:09 When did Ardnahoe Distillery open?
15:49 New distilleries on Islay - Port Ellen & Portintruan Distillery
16:34 Islay Travel Guide
17:20 Non-Islay Peaty Whiskies you SHOULD try!
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Disclaimer: This video is only a reflection of my personal opinion and perspective.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

I hope you liked this deep dive video on Islay! Would you like to see me explore other regions too? Don't forget to join the First Phil Fam Discord Whisky Community for whisky banter, reviews and meet other like-minded whisky folks: discord.gg/jEQfFc737Y

[@tubicle]

Possible video idea, experts always talk about notes like vanila citrus honey spice ... but where do they really come from, do distillers add some sort of filter anywhere in the process? Is it at the malting stage or distilling or aging or is it just an illusion? 😄

[@JeffWhisky]

Another piece of art buddy. Feel like you captured what makes the "magic of Islay". Should tie me over before I manage to get there in person 👋🥃

[@pyratepotter4850]

My favorite Islay at this moment is the Lagavulin 11 Offerman Edition finished in Caribbean Rum Casks. Don’t know why it hits so smoothly for me but I think they knocked this release out of the park.

[@mvernersson]

Ardbeg 10 is one of my absolute favourite whiskeys of all time. Wee Beastie are top notch....

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Big fan of Wee Beastie!

[@Coffeendonuts]

Wee Beastie is amazing. Affordable and every bit as good as the ten an ugedail

[@davidelourenco2537]

Laphroaig quarter cask for the win!!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Tasty stuff

[@laurentsteck6086]

Another great video that you possess the secret to. It is well-produced with engaging content. Good job! Cheers.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Laurent!

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

A slick professional production. Excellent video. A few comments. Perhaps it should be emphasised that Islay is not all about peat. 1. Both Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich's standard range are unpeated, although they do do some peated expressions. 2. Laphroaig, Bowmore, and Kilchoman have their own malting floors. Your narration made it seem as if this was a thing of the past. 3. I think a mention of Port Ellen Maltings is in order as they supply malted barley according to customised specifications to many distilleries, not just those on Islay. 4. There are two main peat bogs used to malt barley on Islay, which are quite different in flavour. The Castlehill bog which is used by the Port Ellen maltings. This peat imparts more seaweed-y vegetable salty flavours. The Octomore Farm bog around Octomore and Rockside farms, used for Kilchoman 100% Islay and other Single Cask expressions, as well as Bruichladdich Port Charlotte and Octomore releases. Considered more complex than Castlehill, this peat imparts more sea salt, sea mud and coastal minerally flavours.

[@islepilot]

Great video. Caol Ila 12 was my "gateway drug" into Scotch. I have that one and a bottling of Caol Ila by Clan Denny that is wonderful too. I have a few from Ardbeg and Lagavulin, but there is clearly a lot more for me to explore. Thanks for this educational look at Islay!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

It certainly is a great gateway into Islay! Have fun exploring! Thanks!

[@hamo4558]

Laphraoig really got me into 'appreciating' scotch many years ago, but i will also add, I was killing off a Bowmore 12, which has taken way to long to finish, perhaps third of a bottle remaining for the past 2 years, & with that length of time with oxidization in the bottle really brought the flavour out & I thoroughly enjoyed.

[@peatbull3426]

Thank you Phil for this fabulous video!! Now i can go to Islay whenever i want 🤩. P.S. my favourite Islay Whisky is...Islay Whisky. Just lovin it. 👍😁🥂🙋🏻‍♂️

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

It’s such a special place in the world! Thanks mate!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Man your videos are always just so gorgeous. Obviously matched with great content too. I think what I'm most excited for with Ardnahoe is that they are the only Islay distillery that uses worm tubs, so that will be fascinating to try once released. Cheers 🥃

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks so much! I'm excited for them too! It will be fascinating how worm tubs change the flavour of their version of Islay peated whisky

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Absolutely brilliant video Philas much entertaining for enthusiasts as it's informative to beginners. Cheers!

[@Ne420]

Great video, actually learned some new things about Islay. I like a bruichladdich Classic Laddie on hot summer days, a Port Charlotte on cooler summer days, and an Ardbeg Uigedail or Kilchoman Sanaig on cold winter days.

[@bannedcommander2932]

My personal opinion (core ranges only, impossible to generalize limited releases): Love: Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain Like: Kilchoman Neutral: Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Bruichladdich Dislike: Caol Ila Hate: Bowmore

[@dunewalks5988]

I totally adore the knowledge you give us in your videos Phil. A real joy and easy listening. All the very best. 😎

[@scottclay4253]

The best overview of Islay I have ever seen. Thank you very much for refreshing my memory. I am afraid I am going to be digging around in my basement whisky vault tonight. You have brought to mind so many once treasured bottles that have been gathering dust for years. Long enough that many bottles are an exciting surprise when revisited. I quit my voracious collecting several years ago when I took a serious look at my collection and realized I wouldn’t live long enough to enjoy it, let along my liver. Thank you for an excellent presentation. I subscribed and hit the notification bell. Islay holds a special place in my heart I would truly love to visit there one day. Slainte.

[@nathanwahl9224]

Want to visit Islay but not really? Try Talisker 10. It's from the Isle of Skye instead, but has similar properties. A very well rounded dram. Quite peaty and smoky, but also very drinkable. I've heard it's also used in quite a few blends. Try a few drops of water in any of these to really bring out some of the flavors and aromas. Oh, my favorite? Usually it's the one being warmed in my hand at the time! Mostly Lagavulin 16, Ardbeg Corryvrekkan, occasionally the Laphroig quarter cask. The Talisker is my go-to "Good" Scotch at home. Many times a simple dram of JW Black once or twice a week does the trick! In addition, I think that the boom in Islay whiskys is a parallel to the boom in making smoked meats at home, a hobby that has really taken off. Priced a brisket lately? I know I loved heavily smoked foods, and that is certainly one of the attractors for the peat monsters!

[@ForHomeBartenders]

I still want to explore more from this region, but I'm becoming a bit of an Ardbeg fan. However, my favorite expressions from Ardbeg are not the traditionally favorite in that I prefer the Wee Beastie and the An Oa.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Oh I missed that one! Great drop

[@jonathanso86]

This was an excellent video. Such a great insight on islay even for an experienced drinker. Keep up the great work

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Much appreciated!

[@jasondavis126]

They guys at whiskey vault are sending people your way.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Amazing!

[@tider002]

Phil, your videos are next level and so nice to grab a pour and enjoy! Thank you!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great to have you watching!

[@mat4x4bug]

Awesome video Phil. Got a kilchoman saniag on your recommendation for people who like lagavulin 16 and it's my new favorite.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Fantastic! Thanks!

[@KanpaiPlanet]

Great video Phil! Extremely informative and phenomenal editing as always. We're lucky to get a lot of Japan-exclusive Islay bottles. Hope to share some with you one day. Kanpai!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Kanpai! Appreciate that! Come join our discord!

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Phil, me personally the core range I tend to buy are Laphraiog QC , Ardbeg 10 and Port Charlotte 10 all great drams at (still) reasonable prices. As always a good thought though awesome video. Slàinte Phil.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks, David! Those would be my go-to's for those distilleries too

[@domen321]

Laphroaig 10 sherry oak finish is amazing :)

[@royboy2124]

Great video. My top readily available peaty bottles right now are Kilochman Sanaig, Lagavulin 8yr, Talisker 10yr, Port Charlotte 10yr, and Ardbeg Uigedail. Where I am Bourbon is king and I can almost always find an amazing bottle just sitting on the shelf which is awesome for me. Cheers!

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Beautifully Done. Thanks

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching

[@tubicle]

Fantastic quality and edit, best islay overview in YT, keep it up mate 🥃

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks mate!

[@adamlynch4122]

Awesome video, visiting Islay is defiantly on my bucket list.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

You should!

[@angelaspielbusch1237]

Love your videos! Excellent!❤

[@johnk7093]

great vid, thanks for the knowledge. Love hearing about Islay... well all whiskey really

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Glad you enjoyed it John!

[@janmagneandreassen]

Norwegian here. I fell in love with Lagavulin 16 and has since set a goal to get some bottles from all the distilleries. The mature notes in Lagavulin is still my favourite though. Thank you for the great content! You make interesting and informative films! Keep up the good work. And if you find yourself in Norway, I have a dram with your name on it, and a story of why the taste of Lagavulin could be the taste of Northern Norway.

[@gatdellobregat]

Just like you said, I also came for the Laph 10 and stayed for the QC. And recently for the 10yo CS. Love PC 10, Ardbeg 10, Oogie&Corry. As for Kilchoman, Machir Bay&Sanaig are my favourites, cause Loch Gorm or 100%Islay are way to the north for my wallet (cca 100euros each). Excellent video, as always. Cheers from Romania🥃

[@shibby67]

Awesome video! Kilchoman Sanaig is tops on my Islay list right now. Waiting to get my hands on a Loch Gorm.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Good choice!

[@pashaharrison230]

I really appreciated you for helping me on this journey

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Grateful to have you watching!

[@VM-zo6dr]

Ive just discovered whiskey and your channel is so great to learn about it. Probably my favourite channel every category mixed! From Montreal canada 👍🏻

[@garysusick1653]

Love your U-tube channel. Another awesome presentation !

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Gary!

[@aaronjones7476]

When the notification popped up couldn't wait to get home pour a Laphroaig 10 settle down watch and enjoy. Have to say when you state islay is the region most famous or whisky I have to say you are definitely the Islay of whisky tube!!!! production and content is an absolute pleasure to watch Cheers to you and keep it coming

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Wow that’s huge praise Aaron! Appreciate that and grateful to have you watching

[@tomkelsh5755]

Bowmore 17 is a rare treat. One of my very favorites! If I ever find it again! Take my money! 😊

[@kiwigor]

Great vid! Love the Islay whiskies! My favourites definitely keep changing…. At the moment I’m back to Laphroaig. The 10 cask strength…. And i was lucky to get the Cairdeas Warehouse 1. Just a “basic” Laphroaig. Matured on site only in bourbon barrels. Lots reviews were not so great but i love it. Anyway tomorrow it’ll be Kilchoman or PC or Ardbeg and so on…..

[@bluupadoop]

Let's go, I love these more history focused videos

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great to hear! Would love to dedicate more time to making videos of this calibre

[@alekseymel7852]

What a great educational show. Love it. Saw they mention your name on the whiskey tribe. I'm glad I looked you up.

[@markwinter152]

As a Scotman who's mad about whisky I LOVED your video. Well done 👍

[@arthurdyball7250]

Great thanks for showing our beautiful islands distilleries, I used to cut the peat for Laphroaig,in fact I cut the last hand cut peat for Laphroaig,I loved this thank you very much.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Amazing! Glad you enjoyed it. I really want to go back one day

[@romitsen3405]

Phill your research is so extensive. Probably thats why you are my favorite Whisky YT channel. Sorry Whiskey Tribe. Also I'm indian and even I started falling in love with whisky because of smoky / peaty whiskys. I really love watchng your videos. I live in a city called Calcutta where it's difficult to find most of the whiskys you review. But when I watch your talk about whiskys, its almost like I can taste them. But more often than not I have a dram ( a word I learned from your channel btw) in my hand. Love you for you are doing man! Hope to visit Newzealand soon.

[@yatr-yellingattheriver9048]

My 'go to' Islay is Ardbeg 10...but my absolute fav is the Port Charlotte 10 and even more so the Port Charlotte SC:01 that came out last year. I also have a Laphroaig Sherry Cask that I haven't opened yet. That should be interesting. Keep up the great work!

[@Brumbie68]

Great Friday night Review my friend

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you kindly

[@MyBucketOfScapulas]

Port Charlotte 10 was what started it for me. Randomly went to a brand tasting with a friend and never looked back. Having one now to watch your video, haha.

[@TheNewMediaoftheDawn]

I love Islay scotch, especially Laphroaig. Port Ellen has been malting barley for years, just not producing its own until now or soon I guess. Love to visit one day, 🌎

[@jt1559]

If you like the PC10, have you tried the Islay Barley version? They also have an Islay Barley version of the Classic Laddie, and the Islay barley makes a huge difference!

[@jeremyguerrier8301]

Perfect video ! From the content to the production everything is well made. Furthermore it is enjoyable by beginners and more experienced whisky drinkers as well. Keep doing such a great job ! Why not exploring other whisky regions for the next videos ? Cheers

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@jgarner447]

Love big peat - perfect blend from major Islay distilleries

[@tomgstew]

Loved this, and definitely need to go to Islay now 😅

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

😅🥃✌️

[@Soulvinum]

Thanks for your great videos mate. Regards from a Portuguese in uk.

[@chrisbergin390]

Well done phil, you absolutely smashed it with this one!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Chris!

[@chrisbergin390]

@@FirstPhilWhisky im thinking about going on my stag do to islay

[@evilhomer5894]

I like both the Laphroaig 10 and the Bunnahabhain 12. Both whiskey taste great in their own unique way.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Agreed!

[@Dan-hn1lx]

Yep always on the shelf

[@kenwilson42]

Good job from your Canadian viewer. The Ledaig is every good with a cigar only one better may be Highland Park

[@gareth630]

Great stuff as usual Phil, I enjoyed that. Laphroaig 10 cask strength and that Caol Ilaby Signatory will keep me happy. However I wouldn't turn my nose up at any of the bottlings mentioned .

[@martinjoubby5368]

Love ur videos !

[@akira1068]

Really looking forward to Port Ellen opening again.

[@klaushaunstrupchristensen7252]

Very informative and matter of fact without becoming boring. Also spoken at a pace which allows one to remember and reflect. Seems like I have found my whisky guru. Greetings from Denmark

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks so much!

[@kaloyanski]

Lovely Islay stuff 🥃

[@sunyboy333]

Great video as usual! My "normal range" go to from Islay is Port Charlotte 10, but the absolute best whiskey that I've had from Islay has to be the Laphroaig 10 Cask strength, the richness of flavor absolutely blew me away.

[@jacobflores8666]

PC10 is pretty solid but you're definitely not kidding on the Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength. It's one of my favorite bottles of whiskey ever. Ardbeg Uigeadail is also good and far better than the standard Ardbeg 10. I kinda wonder what the 10 would taste like at barrel strength.

[@heniay]

Just back from Islay. Went for Lagavulin but also fell in love with PC10 which we didn’t know before. We went a bit heavy on just the one night we were there so didn’t try as many as we thought we might (although did do a tasting of 6 at Lagavulin which got us off to a flying start) but also headed home with a bottle of Caol Ila 12. We also tried a Springbank 12 in a bar in Stirling which was delicious. If anyone’s heading that way, also recommend a stop at The George in Inveraray which has over 400 whiskies.

[@sms4hou676]

Great overview with nice little details. I became attracted to Islay through the non-Islay Highland Park Valkerie. All of the ardbeg and laphroaig general releases are always on try shelf. From caol ila, a Montrose & Sons 10 yr, special cask, at 47%. Confirmed that distillery for me, It's very nice. Wish it were regualrly available. Then, in a sacrilegious move, I mix the scarabus cask strength with bruichladdich barley malt , and that blend is also quite good. 😂🎉. Leidag 10 is a good option you point out as well. I am hard pressed between that and the ardbeg and laphraiog 10.

[@shingapore]

Ardbeg 10 is my go-to

[@toddavis8151]

Laphroaig Lore is absolute magic. If you want a peated whisky outside Islay can you go past Talisker? Especially their Port Ruighe expression

[@louisdanao]

Don't forget Machrie Moor from Arran!

[@JR-nl3mh]

Excelent explanation.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Glad it was helpful!

[@011humphrey]

Personaly I like the Ardbeg 10, i also have a Ledaig Rioja cask which i enjoy, the later has some similarities with the Caol ila i find. In my opinion the story of whisky(s) in general and the turmoulous history is part of the succes also, people like a good story. Great video

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Great Video Phil.😁👊🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🌏🌏🌏🌿🌿🌿🥝🥝🥝 very interesting and informative bro. Thanks. Just enjoying a we dram of Tamdhu 12 for the first time based on your recommendation.😊👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Jason! How did the Tamdhu taste?

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

@@FirstPhilWhisky quite nice. I thought it was subtle and smooth with a great warm finish. I am a whiskey and burbon greenhorn. But loving your recommendations. Cheers brother. What do you recommend next. Dalwinie 15 vs greenspot.And so far with bourbons i have really enjoyed old grandad bonded. Very nice. And i enjoyed elijah craig small batch. Both smooth with good flavor. Great to se you pumping out content working hard. No easy feat well done.🌏🌏🌏🌿🌿🌿🥝🥝🥝🥝😁👊👏👏👏👍🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃

[@jay_white_music]

Bruichladdich for me. I'm a huge fan of Port Charlotte, Octomore and of course Black Art.

[@ezequielalgaze4736]

Any whiskey that is single cask and barrel strength is guaranteed to me a place above any other expression, and I have confirmed this on my trip to Islay in the tastings in the warehouses.

[@celticviking1945]

Freaking love Laphroaig

[@Balkonwhisky]

My favorite Expressions from Islay are Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength, Kilchoman Calvados matured, Port Charlotte (almost everything they put out😅) Bunnahabhain 12 Cask Strength, Caol Ila (matured in Sherry or Port by Independent Bottlers can be delicious) Thanks for your good Videos. Always entertaining and full of Information. 😃👍

[@motosnape]

I love peated whiskies, there's not much from Islay that I don't like, but my alltime favourite, regular go-to isn't peated, it's Bunnahabhain 12. For some reason, the one that didn't quite work for me is Caol Ila 12. As far as non-Islay peated is concerned, I think that Talisker make some lovely expressions. Another great video, Phil. Thank you. Keep 'em coming.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Very true! Thanks!

[@Balkonwhisky]

Maybe you should try an Caol Ila from an Independent Bottler. Mostly they are unchillfiltered and have higher ABV. This changes a lot.

[@motosnape]

@@Balkonwhisky. I'd love to try some independents, but I've just moved into a lower-paid job so that I can regain some work/life balance, plus I have some personal projects on the cards that will cost me money that I don't currently have. So, mainstream on supermarket special offers it is for the foreseeable.

[@Balkonwhisky]

@@motosnape Freetime is much more important than Money. Best wishes to you👍

[@marek_r]

Yet another great and very enjoyable video Phil. My favourite Islay malt still remains Ardbeg 10, with Lagavulin and Laphroaig not far behind. Also Kilchoman keeps knocking on the door. In general, however, I love them all (Bowmore being the least favourite though). I'd love to see you trying a selection of them blind!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks! Yeah I think Kilchoman is rising is recognition and respect and bowmore seems to be falling.

[@numanuma20]

I bought Laphroaig 10 CS because of you yesterday. The most peated Scotch I’ve ever had.

[@ganesankpillay3768]

Very interesting and informative

[@kellywellington7122]

Port Charlotte 10, Kilchoman Sanaig, and Bunnahabhain 12 are my favorite Islay expressions. I loathe Laphroaig and Ardbeg, although a recent sampling indicated that I could tolerate (and perhaps grow to like) the Ardbeg An Oa expression. I have a bottle of Lagavulin 16 which I can savor, even though I don't appreciate their creosote peat note (aka 'lapsang tsuchong') because they wrap it is such a premiere distillate that muffles the soft peating. My favorite peated expression is not Islay, but a Speyside. ETA: I recently had the opportunity to try a friend's Scarabus. I like. It's either a preemptive Arnahoe, or its coming out of Caol Ila, but either way, it's a winner. I will be getting a bottle, but I have yet to decide on the 10 or the CS. I guess I'll have to watch for reviewers to compare and contrast. (Hint, hint,) Three Scarabus expressions lined up against a OB Caol Ila 12. And...small detail...you indicated that Islay is the 'smallest whisky region'. I would think that depends upon where one draws the line across the Kintyre peninsula to delineate the Campbeltown region. It seems to me that the tip of the peninsula, with its three distilleries, is smaller than Islay, but it would be easy to include a lot of the northerly hinterlands to make the region notionally 'larger' than Islay.

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Excellent video indeed. I used to buy laphroaig 10 and Lagavulin 16 for years, but then the former went down in abv to 40% and the latter doubled in price like Talisker 18. Ardbeg 10 has substituted ithem as my usual peated malt. I also enjoy PC 10 and Ledaig 10. I love Ballechine 10 and Longrow NAS. I have never enjoyed an older peated malt and quite honestly don’t understand why the command high prices. Kindest regards from Milano Italy 🇮🇹. Ciao 👋 SF

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great points!

[@GeoffreyBangers]

Awesome video Phil! My favorite is still Bunnahabhain 12yr, though I haven't had the pleasure of trying the cask strength. Everytime I go back to it I'm reminded why it's so good. Cheers!

[@MrAndyStenz]

Great info and now I have a few new ones to try! My go to is Ardbeg (I won’t say which but you didn’t name it and let’s just keep it from getting any more expensive, eh?) 😂 The Ledaig 10 is another of my go to bottles when I want something a little cheaper.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Andy! I think I might know which one. Ledaig is great!

[@stevebaltich]

Isle of Raasay is another new distillery. I bought a bottle of their Rye and Sherry double cask peated whisky and it was amazing. Great video as always

[@11thstalley96]

I’m really looking forward to buying a bottle of Raasay during an upcoming trip to San Francisco. I’ve enjoyed two of the initial expressions from the new distillery named Torabhaig on the Isle of Skye, but I have absolutely fell in love with the bottles that I’ve had from Ardnamurchan, located on a peninsula just across a strait from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. All gently peated!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Ah that's another good new peated one!

[@stevebaltich]

@@11thstalley96 Raasay is not too gentle. Lots of flavour, spices and peat. Lol.

[@11thstalley96]

@@stevebaltich TBH that sounds great!

[@richardkilley6838]

Port Charlotte 10 for me.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

So good!

[@masterdad-zf9po]

Choosing a favorite isla. That’s not easy. Among the top I’ve had recently are a 22 yo Port Ellen (heaven) and a 30 yo CAOL ILA (if you like Caol ila, magnificent). But there’s so many “regulars” to choose from, it’s an almost impossible task.

[@stefanboyne1770]

Islay is amazing I did the mashtun maintenance in ardbeg around a month ago

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Whoa! Amazing!

[@nvdlboy]

The Classic Laddie is my preferred Islay whisky, but I’m partial to Arran whisky - either the Arran 10 or The Bothy.

[@11thstalley96]

Like you, my infatuation with whisky started with Laphroaig 10 yo. My current distraction is Kilchoman Sanaig, but Laphroaig 10 is still my favorite. Fortunately, we Yanks get it at 43% abv, but I still enjoy the 40% version when I’m in the UK.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Ah Laphroaig 10 at 43% would be so much better!

[@11thstalley96]

@@FirstPhilWhisky I have to admit that the Laphroaig 10 yo cask strength, the Lore, certain versions of Cairdeas, as well as Ardbeg Uigeadail, are all undoubtably superior to the old standby, Laphroaig 10 yo, but when I return to it, I get hit with such a resounding reaffirmation of the utterly unexpected epiphany of the 10 yo, that I’m suddenly a much younger version of myself at a house party in Washington DC in 1989. I was offered a dram by a Londoner who was dating a friend and he gave me no advance warning. It was love at first sip.

[@xXGunsForShowXx]

Caol Isla and Ardbeg 10 are my go to Whiskeys. I liked Bowmore as well but was turned away when the price nearly doubled here in Ontario Canada.

[@graham2954]

I'm a big Ardbeg fanboy and have Laphroaig cask strengths here, but I had a bottle of Port Askaig 8yo and I loved it. Now, i not sure what the go is with them but really want to try the 50%ABV one.

[@Qingeaton]

Lagavulin 16 is my favorite. I savor a bottle for about 4 years. A brand new distillery has to wait what, a minimum of 9 years to have anything good to start selling? I guess they would need some deep pockets to build, source all the materials and distill for all that time before having product?

[@tropicsalt.]

Like many, the Port Charlotte 10 is my favourite. But I wish every drink was like the first pour.

[@100puremustard5]

Very informative. My favorite standard bottling is Ardbeg 10. Favorite limited is Laphroaig 10yr CS. Also love the Kilchoman 100% Islay releases.

[@rossflowers7038]

Why are so many distilleries offering there products with Sherry, Port or wine finishes? Its almost got to the point that it’s hard to find a whisky that is straight whisky without being double or triple barrelled. Thoughts anyone?

[@ashleychambers7602]

Once had a glass of laphroaig and I honestly thought it had gone off 😂

[@DJMJRyder]

Kilchoman Loch Gorm is probably my favourite regular release

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

I can’t get enough of it. So good!

[@VinceW187]

Could you do a video on the most sustainable and ecological wiskeys availible. I think this would be interesting,

[@FBFanZone]

Best thing about Peated Whisky is I don't have to waste money on another thing. Bunna 12 and Classic Laddie Unpeated are very good from Islay.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Very true!

[@VinceW187]

I think Talisker is the Marmite of wiskey, it nearly stopped my yourney early

[@chantallemaritz3138]

I found a unique whiskey I haven’t heard off at a tasting. Called Black Bull it’s a peatted whiskey so Smokey but I think it’s highland I thought it was Islay