Islands
The Scottish Islands are known to be the best places for the production of malt whisky. Undoubtedly the best whisky in the world comes from Scotland. Infact in order for whiskey to be called “Scotch Whisky”, it needs to be produced in Scotland. In the whisky world names like Laphroaig, Taliskar and Highland Park stand tall. They are revered by whisky lovers and are famous all over. The Island previously was loaded with distilleries. Inspite of the success of the spirits, many distilleries have been shut down. However, recently a new breed of distilleries can be spotted on the Island. The Island covers a vast area. Mull, Aaran, Jura, Skye and Orkney and their malt productions are considered part of the Island malt production. The Islay Island does not come under the Island, it has its independent rights.
Let us take a look at some of the distilleries
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye has just one distillery. It is the famous Taliskar distillery. The distillery is opened all year long and welcomes visitors throughout. This distillery gets its name from a farm closest to it. It started in the year 1843. It was run by Hugh and Kenneth McAskill.
This distillery has a distinguishing taste of marine and peat. It is a great drink. The complexity of its fragrance only adds to its excellence. It is indeed a great malt. The finish however is a bit too short. Spirits prepared in this distillery have been famous from the days of old; infact there is mention of it in a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Arran
Not too long was the Island of Aaran famous for its whisky. Inspite of this, for a good 150 years there wasn’t a single legal distillery in this region. This only changed recently, back in 1995 when a new distillery opened out at Lochranza. Production here has been very successful.
Orkney
The Highland Park distillery in Orkney is the most famous distillery. It dominates all other distilleries in that region. It is believed that in the 18th century preacher Magnus Eunson used it to distill spirits. The owners of this distillery have exchanged hands many a times. It was in 1898 that the amount of production actually doubled, all thanks to William Stuart and James grant, the owners. It has been a part of the Highland Distillers since 1937. Just recently, 1999, the Highland distillers group was acquired by the Edrington group.
You can literally smell the greatness of the drink. Its aroma is pleasant and its flavor is amazing. The spirits produced here are not too expensive and a re pretty affordable. All of these combined make it a very favored.