Although one of a number Scotland's whisky producing islands, Islay is so distinctive in character it is classified as a separate region. Of the island's seven distilleries currently bottling, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and Laphroaig on the shouthern shore and Caol Ila to the north, are known for making the most peaty whisky that expresses medicinal qualities redolent of seaweed, salt, and iodine. By contrast, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, and Bruichladdich make less peated but equally complex whisky, with the latter two bottling the island's lightest styles.
Gin has come a long way since its infamous origins as the scourge of the working classes in 18th century in England. Once called "mother's ruin," gin and its closest relative, Jenever, enjoyed mass popularity during the early 20th century, in cocktails and punches across the globe, but declined with cocktail culture in the 60's and 70's. The international resurgence of martinis and speakeasies has led to a boom in microdistilleries producing high-quality gins for all tastes, from dry to sweet, and with all the aromatic variety of a spice market.
