Islay malt whiskies are given special regional status alongside the likes of Highland and Speyside whiskies
Nowhere on Earth can boast as many whisky distilleries as Islay. The island – pronounced eyela – on the west coast of Scotland is only 40km long by 25km wide, and yet it packs in nine working distilleries, with more on the way. Such is its importance to Scotland’s finances that Islay malt whiskies are given special regional status alongside the likes of Highland and Speyside whiskies. For anyone who enjoys the occasional dram, the island is a must-visit.
Oh, and it also happens to be a really nice place to ride a bike.
The Ard yards
I meet Brian Palmer at the Ardbeg distillery on the south coast of the island, just a short ride from where the ferry dropped me at Port Ellen.
I first discovered Brian through his popular blog, , a collection of musings on all things cycling, mixed with
