Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The many islands to the North and West of the Scottish mainland were considered separate kingdoms centuries ago. The terrain, micro-climate and differences from island to island set them apart. Distillation in the Isles was first mentioned in 1609 in the Status of Iona. That law clearly dictated that spirit could be distilled on the Islands but could not be imported.

By the 18th century, drinking 'a glass of whisky' in the morning was seen as a common occurrence in some of the Isles. The legal prodcution of spirit in the Islands was not sanctioned even after the Excise Act 1823 was passed. Some 22 legal distilleries operated in the Isles for most of the 19th century.

According to some accounts, 'up to a third of the barley grown in the Isle of Mull was being used for distillation'. This shows that, although not widely recorded nor sanctioned, spirit was produced in great quantities by Island distilleries. The remoteness of their location and the fact that local authorities were sympathetic to distillers, kept people from registering their distilleries with the Excise men.

These days there are many distilleries producing top quality spirit at many Islands. Browse our range and pick your favourite Island whisky.

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