A taste of IslayClean air, unpolluted seas and a Gulf Stream-kissed mild climate combine to give Islay a unique environment that produces world class whiskies and food. Beef, lamb, seafood, freshwater fish, game, preserves, bakery goods, fresh herbs and vegetables all are part of the island’s rich larder.

Islay enjoys a rich farming and crofting tradition that goes back as far as the many ancient settlements that today’s visitors can still explore. The excellent husbandry adopted by today’s farmers is regularly rewarded by top accolades at livestock sales and agricultural shows across Scotland. While, Islay beef and lamb can be found on the menus of some of London’s finest restaurants.

Still on the land and Islay’s wild game has, for centuries, attracted aristocrats and royalty for hunting and stalking. These days you don’t have to be of blue blood to enjoy the flavoursome game that abounds on all of Islay’s well managed estates. Venison, pheasant, grouse and rabbit, these, and more, are all available.

Moving from turf to surf and the sea surrounding Islay produces some of the most celebrated seafood found in Britain’s coastal waters. Need convincing? Ask our healthy population of seals, otters, oyster catchers and herons.

Like our wild furred and feathered friends, the French and the Spanish have also long revered our crabs, langoustines, lobsters and other shellfish. Indeed, as recent as a 10-20 years ago, you had better chance of finding Islay shellfish on a menu in Barcelona or Paris than in Bowmore or Port Ellen. However, as in the rest of Scotland, most of Islay’s cooks and chefs now recognise the wonderful harvest that is gathered on their doorstep and you can find fresh, local seafood on most menus.

Wild caught seafood is often complemented with locally farmed oysters and don’t forget the island’s inland waters. Our lochs and rivers are home to brown trout, rainbow trout plus highly prized wild sea trout and salmon.

In addition to fine quality raw materials, an increasing number of finished food products such as marmalades, and multi-award winning sausages and burgers are also available. These make ideal take-home gifts to share the taste of Islay with friends and relations.

Then, of course, there’s our whisky

Around the middle of the 19th century, Islay boasted no less than a dozen distilleries. The tradition continues today with nine distilleries (eight on Islay and one on Jura) still producing some of the most popular and, certainly, most flavoursome malt whiskies in the world. Many of these malts are also a key ingredient in famous blends such as Johnnie Walker (Red, Black and Blue), Bells 8 Year Old, Ballantines, Black Bottle to name but a few.

If reading the above hasn’t yet got your tastebuds going then the same clean, fresh air that helps to produce all these fine whiskies and foods is guaranteed to give all our visitor’s healthy appetites. Fortunately, your hunger and thirst can be easily satisfied at one of the island’s many hotels, restaurants and cafes. Local produce features on most menus - simply check when booking.

Visit Islay and Jura. Your tastebuds are in for a treat.