why islay?
[ Pronounced “EYE-la”; Scottish Gaelic: Ìle, pronounced “ila” ]
[ Pronounced “EYE-la”; Scottish Gaelic: Ìle, pronounced “ila” ]
[ Pronounced “EYE-la”; Scottish Gaelic: Ìle, pronounced “ila” ]
[ Pronounced “EYE-la”; Scottish Gaelic: Ìle, pronounced “ila” ]
Isle of Islay, Scotland
Islay inhabitants
Bruichladdich employees
Islay farms growing barley
Terroir: A concept that encompasses the influence and inter-action of soil, sub-soil, exposure, orientation, climate and micro-climate on the growing of a plant – any plant – vine, flower or barley.
It’s a common perception, particularly among new whisky drinkers, that all Islay whisky is peated, and all peated whisky is Islay. This is not the case. There is no Islay appellation defining the style of whisky produced here.
The Botanist Gin is a progressive exploration of the botanical heritage of our Isle of Islay. 22 hand-foraged local botanicals delicately augment nine berries, barks, seeds and peels during an achingly slow distillation.
Terroir: A concept that encompasses the influence and inter-action of soil, sub-soil, exposure, orientation, climate and micro-climate on the growing of a plant – any plant – vine, flower or barley.
It’s a common perception, particularly among new whisky drinkers, that all Islay whisky is peated, and all peated whisky is Islay. This is not the case. There is no Islay appellation defining the style of whisky produced here.
The Botanist Gin is a progressive exploration of the botanical heritage of our Isle of Islay. 22 hand-foraged local botanicals delicately augment nine berries, barks, seeds and peels during an achingly slow distillation.
The western arm of the island known as the Rhinns is our home and it shapes everything we do, from logistics, to being part of a close-knit community. The people of Islay, the Ileachs (or more properly the Ilich), are proud, with a strong sense of identity. And yet they are also surprisingly modest. The tiny island community, or less than 3,500 people, live in a series of small villages, the names of which are known to lovers of great spirits in every country in the the world.
Islay is one of the most exciting places to watch birds in north-west Europe. The different species to be seen vary dramatically with the seasons. Spring, autumn and winter bring thousands of wild geese to feast on the rich grass of our fertile landscapes. Loch Indaal provides a winter home to hundreds of divers, grebes and sea duck.
Summer nights are filled with the call of the corncrake and golden eagles can be seen soaring above the coastal cliffs and mountain crags all year round. Birdwatchers come to see the largest flocks of chough in the UK, and to hope for sightings of the many true rarities that arrive every year.
Islay is one of the most exciting places to watch birds in north-west Europe.
The different species to be seen vary dramatically with the seasons. Spring, autumn and winter bring thousands of wild geese to feast on the rich grass of our fertile landscapes. Loch Indaal provides a winter home to hundreds of divers, grebes and sea duck.
Summer nights are filled with the call of the corncrake and golden eagles can be seen soaring above the coastal cliffs and mountain crags all year round. Birdwatchers come to see the largest flocks of chough in the UK, and to hope for sightings of the many true rarities that arrive every year.
Wild animals are remarkably easy to see on the island. Some of the finest red deer stags to be found in Scotland can be heard bellowing across Islay’s higher ground during the month of October.
Otters are often remarkably obliging too, and the patient are almost certain to obtain good views during the course of a week’s stay. There are big local populations of harbour and grey seals, and they too are easy to spot – often hauling out close to the villages.
Wild animals are remarkably easy to see on the island. Some of the finest red deer stags to be found in Scotland can be heard bellowing across Islay’s higher ground during the month of October. Otters are often remarkably obliging too, and the patient are almost certain to obtain good views during the course of a week’s stay.
There are big local populations of harbour and grey seals, and they too are easy to spot – often hauling out close to the villages.
We all love great food and it is difficult to imagine anywhere with access to finer ingredients than Islay. The quality of beef, lamb, game and shellfish that is available to chefs here, and indeed anybody interested in eating well, is unsurpassed.
Although first-class protein is the island specialty, there is the Islay House Community Garden to provide us with fruit and vegetables – and foragers are sure to be inspired no matter which season you choose to visit.
Food pairing however, is something we rarely engage in at Bruichladdich. We are not about to try and persuade you that we think pairing spirits to different dishes through a meal is a good idea. We don’t. That’s what wine is for.
However, Octomore with Islay oysters is one of the great sensory experiences of the world. And Kelsey’s Botanist cheesecake is not far behind…