Episode 8: ‘An Acquired Taste’ – Isle of Islay
You and Scottish whisky – was it love at first taste? For me, it certainly wasn’t… In this episode of Wild for Scotland, I tell you about my journey to single malt whisky and its culmination in a tour to the whisky distilleries on the Isle of Islay.
‘An Acquired Taste’ is a story about turning hate into love. The first time I tried single malt whisky, I found it awful. It took moving to Scotland, going to many distilleries and making myself try one dram after the other, to slowly mature my tastebuds. Eventually, I fell in love with Islay whiskies and was fortunate enough to join a whisky tour to the island and visit all 9 of its distilleries.
Whisky might not be everybody’s cup of tea – but did you know there are also two gin distilleries and a winemaker on the island?
After the story I share some of my top travel tips to plan your own trip to the Isle of Islay, whether you’re planning a whisky pilgrimage or just looking for a stunning island to add to your itinerary.
Islay has many tricks up its sleeve.
Reference & helpful links:
Read my review of Rabbie’s whisky tour to Islay (the one I mentioned in this episode).
Plan a trip to Fèis Ìle, the Islay whisky festival.
Places to stay on Islay: Glenegedale House, Islay Glamping Pods, Port Charlotte Youth Hostel
Don’t drink and drive – do the Three Distilleries Walk on the whisky coast of Islay.
Discover Scottish whisky with my tasting guide.
Plan a trip to Islay, Jura and Colonsay with my island travel guide.
Disclaimer: All information provided in this podcast is based on personal travel experiences. Companies mentioned in the story or tips were active at the time of release. If you listen to episodes at a later point, note that this information may have changed in the meantime.
Credits
Written, hosted and produced by Kathi Kamleitner. Additional support by Fran Turauskis.
Cover Art illustrated by Lizzie Vaughan-Knight. Musik by Bruce Wallace.
Additional sound effects from Zapsplat, Pond5 and SoundBoard.
All photographs by Kathi Kamleitner.
Season 1: Islands
The first season of Wild for Scotland is all about the Scottish isles. Each week, we travel to a different island and spend some time exploring their nooks and crannies, history and landscapes.
Images from Islay
I sip a dram of Scotch nearly every day! Favorite…? That is REALLY difficult. Laphraoig seems to be found in my Glencairn glass, or Ledaig from Tobermory. And some may turn up their nose, but I find Teachers to be a tasty bottom shelf option.
Ardbeg!! Whoooo-you HAVE acquired the taste for peated Scotch. My first experience with that dram was in the hotel bar at Lochinver. Fond memory!
Isn’t peaty just the best? Thanks for sharing your favourites – will have to try Ledaig next!!
I can’t wait to get back to Islay. A buddy took me there for the 2019 Fes Isle and it changed me forever. Peated whisky is indeed an acquired taste which I adore as well. Thank You for the beautiful photos!
Oh, I’m jealous – I would love to go to the festival one day!! Hope you get to go back soon!
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