Whisky is by far the most famous spirit on Islay, our Scottish island. But with Halloween looming, we thought we would look at some of the other types of spirits that inhabit this ancient place. And some Scottish Halloween traditions. If you like Scottish ghost stories, then read on and find out what eerie friends live alongside us …

Kildalton Castle and its employee

Kildalton Castle near Port Ellen (also famous for another haunting) has its very own resident ghost. The story goes that many years ago there was an employee with a ‘very distinct appearance’ who worked for the then laird. Often he would need to leave the island. Despite his absence, people still saw him wandering around the large castle building. Then one day, long after this man was dead and buried, two women in Craigmore Forest saw a figure walking towards them.

Important to note is that Craigmore Forest was once the property of the Laird. Significantly, the figure that approached, was clothed in the fashion of a bygone era. He was also accompanied by a terrier dog. As he and his dog passed the ladies, to their astonishment, there was no sound. They then simply disappeared into the bushes. Upon returning home, one of the women described this apparition to their mother, who had once worked for the laird. At once she recognised the description of this man. He was the long-dead factor who had once been employed by the old laird.

Port Ellen haunting

Next, is the haunting in Port Ellen. Now a country hotel, this building was once a distillery. When the building was still in use as a distillery in the nineteenth century, a thirsty burglar paid a visit. Indeed, being surrounded by barrels of fine malt whisky, he had a tipple or two or three or four. As a result, not being sharp with sobriety, he made for the closest exit. Unfortunately, this was a second-floor window! He did not survive the fall and is said to still haunt the building to this day. From time to time he can be seen at the spot where he fell surprising any visitors in his path. The window has since been bricked over.

Bowmore’s headless horseman

Upon his return home one stormy night in Bowmore, crofter Lachlan Ban saw something that spooked him. A headless horseman, galloped away from his house leaving him frozen in fear. As he approached the front of his house, the door was ajar. When he stepped inside the fire had blown out and there stood a bottle of Bowmore whisky and an empty dram. Of course there then came an explanation to this paranormal experience. Ban’s brother had passed that Friday night. Furthermore, he stated that the wind had blown the front door open and blown out the fire.

Additionally, he mentioned he had brought the whisky to share with him and could wait no longer. So he had a quick dram himself before leaving. In the light of the terrible weather, he had galloped off with his cloak pulled tight over his head. Nevertheless, this story still haunts the island. To this day, true islanders never offer an opened bottle of whisky to their guests in fear of attracting the headless horseman. Maybe, something to do with the fact that Ban was too embarrassed to tell real the story!

Scottish Halloween Traditions

Neep lanterns

These days, pumpkins used to create spooky lanterns at this time of year. But in Scotland, it was normal to use a turnip. Much the same as the pumpkin, these were carved with scary faces and hollowed out so a candle could be lit inside to scare away evil spirits. Most people use pumpkins now and they are much easier to carve! Why not try carving a turnip this year? It could make a great decoration for telling your Scottish ghost stories!

Guising

In Scotland we don’t have Trick or Treating. However, we do still dress up in scary costumes. We call this ‘Guising’. And the idea behind it is so the children can hide amongst any wandering evil spirits and be safe. It’s also to scare away evil spirits before they can do any damage. But traditionally, to make sure they did the job, the costumes were a lot more creepy than the costumes children wear today.

Apple Dookin’

The Scottish name for apple bobbing. And a firm favourite at parties. Without using your hands, you need to grab an apple that is ‘bobbing’ in a barrel or bowl of water.

Nut burning

If you want to find out if you and your partner will have a happy life together, try a spot of nut-burning. Popular with newly engaged couples, you put a nut in a fire. If it burns quietly, it would be a happy union. If it hisses and cracks, maybe not such a happy union!

Kale pulling

Another tradition that went hand in hand with your future with your partner! People would pull kale stalks after dark. The length, shape and amount of soil around the root represent your future lover. The length and shape had to do with their figure and the amount of soil represented wealth.

Treacle Scones

Another game played around Halloween. The objective was to take a bite out of a scone filled with treacle without using your hands. Very messy but sounds like it could be fun!

Come and visit this spooktacular island!

So why not come along to Islay and see it for yourself. Maybe you will see a ghost or two while you are here! You could join in some of the Halloween traditions and tell Scottish ghost stories throughout the evening. Autumn is a beautiful time of year to visit this stunning island. If you are looking for somewhere to stay then get in touch with us here at Islay Cottages today.

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Bowmore Distillery is the oldest licenced whisky distillery on Islay. It has been producing whisky here since at least 1779 and it houses the No. 1 Vaults, one of the oldest Scotch maturation warehouses in the world. With such a long and rich history, this is a fascinating place to visit.

At Bowmore, you can take a distillery tour and learn all about the whisky-making process and Bowmore’s heritage. You can also visit the Bowmore Whisky Tasting Bar. This is a welcoming bar with spectacular views across Lochindaal. Where experts are on hand to help you find your perfect dram.

Please note that currently, experiences must be booked in advance. See Bowmore Experiences for the latest details.

Fèis Ìle

If you visit during the Fèis Ìle whisky festival (usually in the last week of May), Bowmore Distillery and the other distilleries on Islay welcome visitors for a programme of whisky tasting experiences, tours and talks. This is a magical experience for all whisky lovers!

Get in touch

If you need any help or advice when booking your accommodation, please get in touch with our friendly team. And be sure to check our latest special offers for the best deal.

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Are you planning a trip to Islay? If so, then make sure you don’t miss out on some of the beautiful Islay villages and towns here on the Island. There are little hamlets, villages and towns dotted all over Islay, and they are all within easy reach of each other by car. We’ve put together some of our favourite places to visit – and what to do when you get there!

Port Charlotte

This is regarded by many as “the most beautiful village” on the island. It was founded by the Member of Parliament and Laird of Islay, Walter Frederick Campbell in 1828. This charming little place was named after Campbell’s mother, Lady Charlotte Campbell Bury. A slightly larger village on the island, it was built to house the workers of the Lochindaal Distillery, which opened in 1829. You may have heard this distillery referred to as the Port Charlotte Distillery, or Rhinns Distillery. And sadly, this was one distillery not to last… it closed in 1929, just over 100 years from its opening. But its buildings still remain and some are now in use by a Youth Hostel and the Islay Natural History Trust.

Port Charlotte is where you will find the Museum of Islay Life, documenting life on the island over the past 12,000 years. Exhibits include reconstructions from archaeological excavations of prehistoric sites on the island. It’s a fascinating look at how people used to live here on Islay. 

Bruichladdich

Just north of Port Charlotte is the village of Bruichladdich, with a distillery at its heart. Built in 1881, by brothers Robert William and John Gourlay Harvey, Bruichladdich was specifically designed to produce the purest unpeated spirit possible. But the distillery has been opened and closed variously throughout the years. In more recent years it has been taken over by the drinks giant Remy Cointreau, and today it is a successful business. It is a place you can visit on your trip to taste and buy some delicious drinks. Tours are available when possible, but it is wise to get in touch beforehand to check they are running. 

And of course, Bruichladdich Distillery bought the rest of the old Lochindaal Distillery buildings and have created a new whisky distillery and gin distillery. As such they have become a very popular whisky brand from Isaly… and gin! The Botanist is now one of Scotland’s most popular gins. Here you can enjoy super tours, cocktail making and tasting sessions, and a wonderful shop.

Portnahaven Village

These are two separate villages close together that share many things – including a church! Each village has its own entrance (you can choose which side to enter from yourself!). 

Portnahaven has a small sheltered harbour which is often home to grey seals basking in the island sun. Along the seaside, you’ll enjoy whitewashed houses looking out over the water. It was built during the 19th century, as a fishing and crofting villager and offers a slice of history for explorers. So, step back in time and walk amongst the quaint buildings whilst listening to the waves lapping on the rocks. Or, take to the water’s edge, and stunning enjoy views of the opposite bay of Orsay Island. And here you will also find the famous Rhinns of Islay lighthouse, which was built in 1825. Still today the lantern can be seen some 40 kilometres away at sea. This is a great spot for a walk and a picnic on the rocks, whilst spotting for seals.

Port Wemyss

And whilst you are down this way, pop along next door to the lovely Port Wemys, built in 1832. Again, this village was built to encourage fishing and take people away from farming the lands. And as a fishing village, the catch would be cured and traded in Ireland. As such, the village has strong ties with the Irish and enjoys a Celtic shop.

As well as plenty of history, in Port Wemyss you will find a coastal path that is great to stroll along; it’s not a long path, but over its course, you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins out at sea. With these villages being so close, in past times, they shared one church, but with separate doors for the people of each village to enter.

Kilchoman

Home of Islay Cottages, Kilchoman is an area of Islay that is one of the most ancient on the islands. Although the current church was built in 1827, an older medieval church existed on the site before then. Nearby is our wonderful Machir Bay which has both a rocky area and sandy beach. It’s also the site of many shipwrecks!

Nearby, Kilchoman Distillery produces its delicious single malt whisky. It’s a great trip out, especially if you are staying with us at Kilchoman House. Set in 37 acres and over 200 years old, it’s a great place to kick back with a dram and enjoy the serenity island life can offer.

Ardnave

Ardnave Point is a wonderful area to visit if you enjoy history. It is here in the sandy grasslands of the Ardnave peninsula that evidence of intermittent human activity spanning some seven thousand years from Mesolithic times to the Early Historic period has been found. Some of the objects found here, including a hearth, are on display in Islay Museum.

There is some wonderful walking along this part of Islay’s coast, with plenty of wildlife to be spotted. Keep your eye out for mysterious-looking pools, which were once used to keep lobsters fresh for sale!

Bowmore 

The capital of Islay is Bowmore, and it is very likely that you will visit this town at some point during your stay. There are around 1,000 people who stay here, and so the town has all the facilities and amenities that you could need. 

One particularly pleasant thing to do here is to visit the Bowmore Round Church. They say it is round so there are no corners for the devil to hide in! It’s beautifully decorated and is certainly worth a visit. And here you will also find Bowmore distillery and a lovely harbour to explore. Bowmore is one of the main villages on the island of Islay, and as such, here you will find shops, a petrol station, eco-car chargers, and amenities.

And don’t forget to also pay a visit to Peatzeria, our very own restaurant and home to delicious Italian food! Peatzeria is one of the most popular restaurants on Islay, and as such is rated the best Islay restaurant on TripAdvisor.

Wherever you visit on Islay, from small hamlets to larger towns, you are sure to enjoy the peace and tranquillity our beautiful island can offer. Islay villages offer the chance to get away from it all and dream of what life could be like living on an island like Islay. Book a stay with us today.

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Asides from Islay’s stunning natural beauty, if there’s one thing our island can hold a claim to fame about. And that’s producing world-class malt whisky! Of course, with nine distilleries on the island alone, it can be hard to know where to begin. But don’t worry, we’re here to give you an insight into every single one of the whisky distilleries on Islay.

Kilchoman Distillery

Right on the doorstep of our very own Kilchoman Cottages, is the aptly named Kilchoman Distillery. This is a relatively new player to the Islay whisky scene, arriving in 2005. It was the first new distillery to the island in 124 years!

The Kilchoman Distillery is unique because they hand-craft their whisky from barley that they grow on their own farm land, on site. Making it Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt. It’s also one of only a few remaining independent whisky distilleries.

Bowmore Distillery

 Bowmore Distillery is the oldest distillery on Islay, dating from 1779 or even earlier.

This is a wonderful place to take a tour (there are several to choose from) and learn about whisky history and heritage. It’s also home to the Bowmore Whisky Tasting Bar. A welcoming bar with spectacular views across Loch Indaal, and experts on hand to help you find your perfect dram.

Caol Ila Distillery

If whisky is your thing, then a trip to the Caol Ila Distillery is simply a must. Its Gaelic name translates as “sound of Islay” and you should pronounce it “cull-eela”.  This distillery is about a mile north from Port Askaig. Founded in 1846, the distillery has seen closure and re-opening due to major events such as the Second World War.

Today, the whisky distillery produces around 7 million litres of the spirit each year. Caol Ila distillery is also the market leader on Islay, producing well over double the volume of whisky as the other distilleries on the island. As Islay’s giant, a tour around the Caol Ila distillery is a must-visit attraction for any whisky enthusiast.

Ardbeg Distillery

The peaty flavour of Ardbeg Distillery whisky is favoured by millions across the world. Using malted barley dried with peat smoke, a deep, smoky flavor is imparted. The distillery itself, with its iconic whitewashed buildings and black-topped pagoda roofs, is not only a haven for whisky enthusiasts but also a significant landmark on Islay, reflecting the island’s robust whisky culture.

Ardbeg Distillery offers a variety of tours that provide an immersive experience into the art of whisky making. Visitors can choose from several tour options, each designed to cater to different levels of interest and knowledge. The Quintessential Ardbeg Tour gives an overview of the distillery’s history, the whisky-making process, and includes a tasting of some of Ardbeg’s finest expressions. If you want a more in-depth experience, then an Evening Behind Closed Doors offers an extensive tasting session with private evening access, showcasing the distillery’s core range along with special releases.

Ardnahoe Distillery

Ardnahoe Distillery is the new kid on the block, founded in 2018. It has quickly garnered attention for its commitment to producing high-quality single malt Scotch whisky using time-honored techniques, including the use of worm tub condensers and wooden washbacks, which contribute to its distinctive peaty flavour profile.

Ardnahoe Distillery offers a range of tours designed to give visitors an intimate look into its whisky-making process. The Spirit Of Ardnahoe provides an overview of the distillery’s operations, finishing in their bespoke dramming area with a 15ml sample and a glass to take home.

Bruichladdich Distillery

Bruichladdich Distillery is renowned for its innovative approach to whisky-making while maintaining deep-rooted traditions. Established in 1881 and resurrected in 2001, Bruichladdich stands out for its commitment to using 100% Scottish barley and its practice of slow distillation to craft uniquely complex and flavorful single malt whiskies. The distillery produces a diverse range of whiskies, from the unpeated Bruichladdich Classic to the heavily peated Port Charlotte and the ultra-peated Octomore, each reflecting the distillery’s ethos of craftsmanship and quality.

Bruichladdich Distillery offers an array of tours that provide a comprehensive and engaging whisky experience. Take a guided walk around their Victorian distillery, with a tasting at the end. Alternatively you could even enjoy a warehouse tasting experience, with sample bottles and a complimentary glass at the end.

Bunnahabhain Distillery

On the rugged northeast coast of Islay sits Bunnahabhain Distillery. Creating distinctively smooth and lightly peated single malt Scotch whiskies, it was established in 1881 and develops a signature unpeated Islay Single Malt Whisky. The distillery’s remote location, overlooking the Sound of Islay, contributes to the unique maritime character of its whiskies, which are matured in coastal warehouses for a signature briny undertone.

Bunnahabhain Distillery offers a variety of distillery experiences. Whisky tastings are held in their new Visitor Centre which boasts spectacular views across the Sound of Islay. Furthermore, their warehouse 9 tasting is one of our most popular tours, proving to be popular with whisky lovers. It ends with an exclusive tasting of delicious whisky taken straight from the cask.

Lagavulin Distillery

On the southern coast is Islay, Lagavulin Distillery is renowned for producing 1.4 million litres of some of the most robust and richly peated single malt Scotch whiskies in the world. Founded in 1816, Lagavulin’s whisky is celebrated for its intense smoky flavor, deep complexity, and long, elegant finish. The distillery’s picturesque location overlooking Lagavulin Bay adds to its charm, making it a must-visit destination for whisky enthusiasts and travelers exploring Islay’s storied whisky trail.

Lagavulin Distillery offers a range of tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into its traditional whisky-making process. The Lagavulin Distillery Classic Tour takes visitors through the history and production techniques and a three-dram tutored tasting, including a sample of their Distillery Exclusive bottling.

Laphroaig Distillery

Laphroaig Distillery was established in 1815 and is consistently the highest selling whisky on Islay. Around 2.7 million litres of alcohol are distilled each year and has a strong, peaty flavour. It has a museum, shop and lounge bar to make for a pleasant day out.

A wide range of tours are available, from a simple tour of the distillery to more intensiveday-long experiences, some ending with the presentation of your very own iconic 10 Year Old whisky. A welcome end to a wonderful day.

Islay Whisky Breaks

Of course, visiting all these distilleries can be exhausting! But if you’re staying with us at Islay Cottages, you can relax after a hard day’s tasting and touring. So, book now and get planning your trip around the many whisky distilleries on Islay!

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Are you looking for romantic breaks in Scotland? Then why not make an adventure of it and visit the stunning Scottish island of Islay? Islay is a perfect romantic getaway, with scenery and views to set any heart fluttering! With Valentines Day just around the corner, this could be the perfect gift for your loved one to get those sparks flying!

Walk hand in hand along our golden sandy beaches

If you enjoy a romantic stroll, then do it in style. With a huge choice of beautiful beaches to choose from you are spoilt for choice. From Machir Bay with its huge expanse of sand, Sanaigmore with its protected cove and Kilnaughton Bay, where in the right conditions the sand will ‘sing’ to you. Together, arm in arm, you can also watch the seals from Kilinallan and sing to them! The perfect setting for romance to blossom.

A romantic tipple for two

No break to Islay would be complete without a visit to one of our famous Islay whisky distilleries. Like our beaches, there are plenty to choose from! Some of the strongest malt whiskys come from Islay, which depending on your palette, you will love or not! If you want to treat your other half to something special, you can find out more about Distillery Tours on Islay.

You want a “Pizza” my heart?

If you fancy some delicious dining for two then head along to Islay’s very popular local restaurant! Peatzeria is a pizzeria (as you may have figured by the name) that offers a vast selection of delicious pizzas as well as a variety of other dishes. Furthermore, it boasts, stunning and romantic views over Lochindaal, where you and your loved one can share a ‘Lady and the Tramp’ moment over a bowl of pasta!

Snuggle up in each other’s arms…

Why not snuggle up by a roaring fire? Here at Islay Cottages, we have 5 cosy cottages and a stunning, large Georgian House at Kilchoman, in a rural setting with views of the sea. We also have an additional cottage in Bowmore which backs onto Lochindaal and boasts beautiful views. What is more, we have a fabulous romantic offer.  If you book with us you will receive a box of chocolates and a bottle of champagne upon your arrival! All you need to do is light the fire and indulge yourselves!

Fall in love all over again…

If this has got sparks flying and you would like to come and stay with us then please get in touch. Be it romantic Scottish short breaks, weekend getaways or longer stays, we have it covered. And all with a sprinkling of romance!

You can call us on 01496 850 32 or you can book online. For online, you can view our tariffs and availability from the booking bar or the availability section in the main navigation. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing love bloom!

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Whisky tasting is a niche for some, and most people will tell you that the perfect whisky has this or has that, or is between this age and that age. The truth is, it’s all subject to personal taste. But what really makes a whisky a whisky? In our essential guide to whisky tasting we’ve picked things which might help you work out what’s for you and what’s not when it comes to this fine art.

Whisky “Experts”

The first thing you need to know, is someone who says they’re an expert when it comes to whisky tasting, and then proceeds to tell you what the best whisky is, is not an expert.

The truth is there is no such thing as an expert .. or even the perfect whisky. A whisky is a whisky and will appeal to different people with different tastes. Some people will tell you never to mix a whisky with anything other than water. While others will happily tell you their favourite whisky cocktail recipes.

Often, you will find the Islay locals will be more than willing to share their favourite malts with you. As they’ve had several years to explore the tastes of the local distilleries.

There is no such thing as a double or triple malt

Anybody who tries to sell you a “double malt” or a “triple malt” is having you on! There is no such thing.

Single malt simply means a whisky unblended with any other malt. So, anything other than a single malt is a blend. No ifs or buts about it!

It’s all about the barrel!

This might sound a bit cliche, but it’s true. The kind of barrel and where it is from has an impact on the flavour and composition of the whisky. Usually, whisky distilleries will use barrels that were previously used for alcohols such as sherry and therefore soaked in flavour. Furthermore, casks are usually made of oak.

The Key Malt Whiskies

The five most common types of Scotch Whisky, named after the area in Scotland where they are distilled:

• Islay Malts
• Highland Malts
• Strathspey Malts
• Lowland Malts
• Campbeltown Malts

Each of these whiskies have their own signature taste. Of course, a trip to Islay is incomplete without a whisky tasting session or two! Islay itself is home to eight whisky distilleries and with copious supplies of peat and fresh water on hand, Islay malts have arguably the strongest taste out of all the malt whiskies in the world. They are well known for their dry finish and particularly those from the southern part of the island are known for having quite the bite too!

Come and join us…

So without further adieu, we beckon you to come join us on the beautiful island of Islay and use this tasting guide to help you begin exploring the wonderful whisky offering of Islay!

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The Islay Whisky Sour Cocktail

Ingredients: 2 parts Islay Whisky, half an ounce of sugar syrup, half an ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 egg white, 1 dash of Bitters crushed ice. Complete with a cherry and orange slice.

Here, the trick to creating the perfect Whisky Sour is to mix the sugar and lemon evenly. Shake well! If you’re not too keen on egg-whites, then this is merely an optional ingredient. Now, watch the video below to see how it is done…

The Rob Roy Whisky Cocktail

Ingredients: 2 ounces of Islay Whisky, 3 quarter ounces of Sweet Vermouth and 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters and serve over ice. Finish the cocktail with a cherry garnish or alternatively, a lemon twist.

In fact, this cocktail, unlike its name suggests, was actually created at the Waldolf Astoria in Manhattan. The barman decided to mark the celebration of the opening premiere of the Rob Roy operetta in 1984 with his creation, and as such the cocktail grew in popularity very quickly.

Today the Rob Roy continues to thrive as a popular choice of drink – so why not try it with an Islay Whisky twist? Watch this video guide on how to make this cocktail…

The Suburban Whisky Cocktail

Ingredients: 3 parts Islay Whisky, 1 part Dark Rum, 1 part Port Red, 1 dash Orange Bitters, 1 dash Angostura Bitters served over ice cubes.

This classic cocktail packs a real punch. Not for the weak of stomach, this cocktail is perfect for “thrill-seekers” looking for a concoction that delivers a triple whammy of a bitter kick, soothing smoothness and a hint of sweetness. If this has tickled your fancy, watch the video below and get making…

Old Fashioned 

Ingredients: 4 dashes of Angostura Bitters, 50ml of Islay Whisky, 1 teaspoon of caster sugar, cubed ice and 1 orange.

This Old Fashioned cocktail is better known as the chosen drink of Mad Men leading character, Don Draper. Did you know that it is estimated this cocktail recipe goes back as far as 1806 and is usually made with rye whisky? Why not swap it out for Islay Whisky and be on your way to sweet peaty cocktail heaven. The video below takes you through step by step on how to makes this delightful cocktail…

The Famous ‘Hot Toddy’

Ingredients: 3/4 Cloves, 2 Star Anise, half snap of a cinnamon stick, 2 teaspoons of honey, half a thumb of ginger, orange zest, grapefruit zest, 500mls boiling water, 50mls of your chosen Islay whisky per glass.

This aromatic, heartwarming, head zinging recipe is perfect for that cold winters day. Snuggle up on your sofa by the fire and sip away. Or fill up your thermos flask and enjoy it in the vast outdoors on a chilly winters day. See the video below for full instructions…

Islay Whisky with Islay Cottages

Is your mouth watering at the thought of these wonderful smoky cocktails? Why not book your very own Islay Whisky break with Islay cottages! You can explore the vast choice of distilleries and enjoy an array of whisky tours.  Then come back to your cosy cottage and try out making some cocktails with your days finds! With plenty of fantastic special offers to choose from, there’s no reason not to book your very own Islay Whisky adventure today! Book online here.

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