Island single malts are single malt Scotch whiskies produced on the islands around the perimeter of the Scottish mainland. The islands (excluding Islay) are not recognised in the Scotch Whisky Regulations as a distinct whisky producing region, but are considered part of the Highland region. Islay is recognised as a distinct whisky producing region (see Islay whisky).
Other sources contend that the Islands, excluding Islay, constitute a sixth distinct region.Scotch Whisky RegionsThe beginner's guide to scotch whisky This unofficial region includes the whisky-producing islands of Arran, Jura, Mull, Orkney, and Skye, with their respective distilleries: Arran, Jura, Tobermory, Highland Park, Scapa, Talisker and Torabhaig.
Island single malts are very varied and have few similarities, but are distinguished from other whisky regions by a smokier flavour with peaty undertones. One source states that the flavour depends on peat, the use of which varies widely between distillers.Getting to Know Scotch Whisky: The Islands
Island malt distilleries Abhainn Dearg distillery, on Lewis Arran distillery, on Arran Harris distillery, on Harris Highland Park distillery, in Orkney Isle of Raasay distillery, on Raasay Jura distillery, on Jura Saxa Vord distillery, on Unst Scapa distillery, in Orkney Talisker distillery, on Skye Tobermory distillery, on Mull, producing Tobermory and Ledaig Torabhaig distillery, on Skye
In development Isle of Barra distillery, on Barra Orkney distillery, on Orkney Lerwick distillery, on Shetland.
See also List of whisky distilleries in Scotland
References