5 Islay Whiskies For Your Scotch Collection

This guide showcases five exceptional Islay whiskies, each a must-have for any serious scotch collection.
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Islay, a small island off Scotland’s west coast, is legendary for its whisky, celebrated worldwide for bold peat smoke and coastal character. For collectors, the allure lies not just in the whisky’s flavor but in the stories behind the bottles, from shuttered distilleries to enigmatic independent bottlings.

This guide showcases five exceptional Islay whiskies, each a must-have for any serious scotch collection. From Bruichladdich’s mysterious Black Art series to rare gems like Port Ellen and Bowmore’s revered Morrison-era releases, these whiskies capture the island’s spirit and craftsmanship. Discover the history, artistry, and scarcity that make these bottles truly iconic.

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Bruichladdich Black Art 02.2 1989 21 Year Old 

BUY NOW: $1,106 

Bruichladdich’s Black Art series has become a staple of this Islay distillery. Created in 2009 by then-Master Distiller, Jim McEwan, the Black Art series has continued under Adam Hannett. Hannett predicts that the next generation of distillers will also contribute to the iconic series. 

The concept behind Bruichladdich’s Black Art series is shrouded in mystery, reflecting the alchemy and artistry of whisky creation. Each release showcases a unique, secretive cask composition, allowing the Master Distiller to craft an enigmatic whisky expression without disclosing the maturation details. This approach symbolizes creative freedom and mastery, inviting whisky enthusiasts to experience the whisky purely through taste and aroma, free from preconceptions.

The series highlights the balance between innovation and tradition, offering a “black box” of whisky-making where the focus shifts entirely to the sensory experience, rather than the technical details of production.

This is the second release in Bruichladdich’s Black Art series, distilled in 1989 and bottled at 21 Years Old in 2010. It was matured in a combination of American and European oak wine casks. The specifics of its maturation program remain a mystery. 

Port Ellen 1979 23 Year Old Wilson & Morgan Barrel Selection 

BUY NOW: $1,719

The Port Ellen 1979 23 Year Old Wilson & Morgan Barrel Selection is a distinguished single malt scotch whisky from the revered Islay distillery, Port Ellen. Distilled in 1979 and bottled in 2003 by the independent bottler Wilson & Morgan, this expression is part of their esteemed Barrel Selection series. Matured for 23 years, it was drawn from a single cask, number 6769, and bottled at 46% ABV.

Wilson & Morgan was established by Fabio Rossi in 1992 as an Italian independent bottler of scotch whiskies. The company’s origins trace back to the 1920s when Giuseppe Rossi, Fabio’s grandfather, moved to Treviso, Italy, and began a wine and oil merchant business. In the 1960s, Mario Rossi, Giuseppe’s son, expanded the family business to include importing whisky from Scotland.

This expression is part of Wilson & Morgan’s Barrel Selection series, featuring single cask, cask strength whiskies, showcasing the single malt in its purest form. 

The status of Port Ellen bottlings, both official and independent, soared following the distillery’s closure in 1983, with the Islay icon garnering a cult following. Said following was delighted when, earlier this year, Port Ellen reopened after over 40 years of silence.

Bunnahabhain 1979 20 Year Old Signatory Vintage

BUY NOW: $1,719

This Bunnahabhain whisky was distilled in 1979 and bottled in 1999 by the legendary independent bottler, Signatory Vintage, at 57.7% ABV. Part of the so-called ‘Signatory Vintage dumpies’, this bottling is an icon of Signatory Vintage’s early escapades. 

Signatory Vintage was founded in 1988 by Andrew Symington, who had previously managed the Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh. The luxury hotel commissioned a range of single malt bottlings including the Glendronach 1970 18 Year Old. Bottlings such as this sparked a love of single malt scotch for Symington, who left to establish Signatory Vintage. 

Since its inception, Signatory Vintage has become an icon of independent bottlings, with dumpies like this one commanding high premiums at auction and retail. 

The liquid inside this bottle hails from Bunnahabhain, an Islay powerhouse best known for producing unpeated, sherry-matured whisky in a peat-dominated landscape. 

Ardbeg 1975 29 Year Old Old & Rare Platinum Selection 

BUY NOW: $3,347

Every whisky enthusiast knows the name Ardbeg. The distillery, located on the south coast of Islay, is well known for its tongue-in-cheek approach to marketing, as well as the production of stellar peated whiskies. 

One such whisky is this 1975 vintage, bottled at 29 years old for Douglas Laing’s Old & Rare Platinum Selection. As the name would suggest, this series consists of rare, well-aged whiskies, bottled from a single cask at cask strength. The casks were meticulously selected for quality and the resulting bottlings are prized by whisky collectors. This is one of just 145 bottles in existence. 

Douglas Laing & Co., established in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing, is a renowned independent bottler of scotch whisky based in Glasgow. Upon the death of Fred Douglas Laing, the company was taken over by his sons Fred Jr. and Stewart Laing. 

Known for its dedication to quality, the company selects exceptional single casks and small batches from Scotland’s finest distilleries, showcasing their unique characteristics. Iconic brands include Big Peat, Scallywag, and the Remarkable Regional Malts range, each highlighting the distinct profiles of Scotland’s whisky regions. 

In 2013, the company underwent a familial split, leading to the formation of Hunter Laing & Co. by Stewart Laing. Douglas Laing is now overseen by Fred Jr. and his daughter, Cara. 

Bowmore 1973 21 Year Old 

BUY NOW: $2,249

Any Bowmore fan will know that bottlings from the Stanley P. Morrison era of the distillery are highly sought-after. Bowmore Distillery, located on the shores of Loch Indaal, Islay, was purchased by broker Stanley P. Morrison. During his tenure, Morrison truly put Bowmore on the map. 

With strategic innovation and incredible foresight, Morrison focused on modernizing production facilities while preserving traditional methods, ensuring consistent quality. He also expanded the brand’s international reach, capitalizing on the growing global demand for scotch whisky.

Bowmore’s reputation soared with the release of exceptional aged whiskies, such as the iconic 1964 Black Bowmore (1993). 

This particular whisky was distilled in 1973 and bottled after 21 years of maturation by the distillery. That same year (1994) Bowmore was taken over by Suntory, ending the Morrison era. Today, bottlings created between 1963 and 1994 are prized by Bowmore whisky enthusiasts; they are seen to hail from the golden era of Bowmore. 

Beth Squires

Beth Squires joined Mark Littler Ltd full-time in October 2020 after completing her university degree in English Literature. Since then, she has acquired extensive knowledge about all aspects of whisk(e)y and now holds the position of Deputy Editor at The Whiskey Wash. Beth is passionate about history, industry innovation, marketing, and sustainability. With a special fondness for independently bottled rare scotch, Beth also serves as a whisky bottle investment specialist.

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