Of these rugged Scotch-producing islands, known as the Hebrides, Islay has earned the most renown for its peated whiskies and abundance of distilleries. But the islands of Jura, Arran, Mull, Skye and Orkney’s archipelago are also noted for their whiskies and dramatic scenery.

Location: Nicknamed “Whisky Island,” Islay is located off the western coast of Scotland, to the west of the island of Jura. Sphagnum peat dominates the landscape.

There are more than 900 islands scattered off Scotland’s coastline, around 70 of which are habited – and fewer still have a distillery. The islands of Arran, Mull, Jura, Skye, Raasay, Lewis and Orkney produce an eclectic mix of whisky styles, from light citrus to full-on peat smoke.

Island single malts are the 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 to be part of the Highland region.