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Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Fèis Ìle 2025 Whisky Festival: What Islay's Distilleries Are Releasing
The Fèis Ìle, Islay's annual celebration of whisky and culture, started in the 1980s as a local festival of music and Gaelic traditions. Now, it has become a global pilgrimage for whisky fans, as distilleries across the island release limited-edition bottlings made exclusively for the event every year. With this year's festival already in full swing, here's a round-up of the official Fèis Ìle 2025 whisky releases announced so far. Some will inevitably escape this article - a few distilleries like announcing secret releases on extremely short notice. Others are available to the general public outside of festival attendees, I've included purchase links where available. Here's what Islay's distilleries are cooking up: Promotional image for Ardbeg's Smokiverse The 2025 Ardbeg Day release, "Smokiverse," is proudly marketed as a 'high-gravity' whisky - meaning that less water was used along with more grains being packed in during the brewing process, resulting in more fermentable sugars that can translate to more aromas and flavors in the resulting whisky. By maturing it entirely in in ex-bourbon casks (this article claims the age is around 10 years but no actual age is officially given), the notes from this process are brought to the fore. The Ardnahoe 2025 festival release. Ardnahoe's second Fèis Ìle release is a 6-year-old single malt matured in first-fill Bourbon barrels. Bottled at natural cask strength, this limited edition comprises 1,116 individually numbered bottles. Available exclusively at the distillery, not much information is available on its taste profile but so far all past releases from the distillery have been excellent. Matured in a single sherry cask, this 8-year-old Bowmore was crafted using 100% floor-malted barley and bottled at 56% ABV, and matured in Bowmore's No.1 Vault which is typically used for the distillery's showcase casks earmarked for great things. It's only available at the distillery. Bunnahabhain's pair of distillery-exclusive festival releases. Released for Fèis Ìle 2025, Turas Math No. 1 is the only one of Bunnahabhain's three. festival releases available outside of the distillery in select retailers. Two different types of casks were used for maturation. Some of the liquid involved was matured in Manzanilla sherry butts for the full 15 years, while the rest. Bunnahabhain matured in Manzanilla tends to be a winner as the cask emphasizes Bunnahabhain's drier, marine and salty notes. Unlike the No. 1, Turas Math No. 2 and No. 3 are available only at the distillery. The more budget-friendly option of the pair is matured in ex-bourbon before being finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks. A 19-year-old unpeated single malt was finished in an Armagnac cask which is very unusual in the whisky world. Two very different heavily peated whiskies from Bruichladdich. Octomore whiskies are famous for being some of the peatiest available. The range's festival special, Polyphonic 01, is a 15-year-old single malt made from a blend of seven distinct casks, including Grenache, Bourbon, Sauternes, Syrah, Amarone, Oloroso, and PX. It is the oldest Octomore yet bottled. No wonder the 2,500 available bottles already sold out. Given how long the Port Charlotte range has been around, I was truly surprised to read on the distillery website that this is the first ever official single cask bottling outside of its distillery shop exclusive Valinch releases. This 19 year old whisky was matured entirely in a second-fill Moscatel wine cask, and of course is already sold out. Caol Ila's release features a finish in Colombia oak This 8-year-old Caol Ila was finished in Colombian oak after maturation in refill, PX, and Oloroso-seasoned casks. It is only available at the distillery and Diageo's internet retail site (though not yet listed at time of writing), with 1,476 bottles available. 'This release explores Caol Ila's waxy character, delivering an intensely smooth, oily texture and a richer, unexpectedly sweet profile emerging from the Colombian Oak cask finish. The whisky's complex smoke is amplified by layers of spice notes and peppery warmth.' Jura isn't on Islay but because it's nearby it's included in the festivities. No need for unusual maturation here - this single cask Jura is matured for 17 years in an Oloroso sherry butt, which gave up only 300 bottles. These are available only at the distillery, a good reward for making the pilgrimage over. This is apparently a sister cask of the 2022 festival release from the distillery. 'With an additional three years maturation, #1895 builds on the complexity of our 2022 Fèis Ìle release, with notes of crystallised citrus, prune, and hazelnut together with hints of polished leather and dark chocolate from its full-course Sherry maturation.' - Jura whiskymaker Joe Ricketts Two 9 year old Madeira casks were vatted together for Kilchoman's release. Kilchoman blended together two Madeira casks to create this 9 year old whisky, of which there are only 615 bottles available and was made using barley exclusively grown on Islay. Curiously, the peating level (20 ppm) is lower than most Kilchomans. "We very rarely mature our 100% Islay spirit for its full maturation in anything other than ex-bourbon or sherry casks, so I was thrilled to find these unusual casks coming along so well. The lighter peating level allows for the bold Madeira notes to come through into the whisky.' - Anthony Wills, Kilchoman founder This year's Lagavulin was finished in Moscatel de Málaga casks. This 15-year-old Lagavulin was finished in Moscatel de Málaga casks, and is only available at the distillery with 1,596 bottles available. Like with the Caol Ila, while the official presser says the whisky will be available on as well as the distillery shop, it is not yet available at time of writing. A cask strength version of Laphroaig's Lore is the distillery's 2025 festival entry. The 2025 Càirdeas release is a cask strength version of Laphroaig's 'Lore', blending a wide variety of cask types including ex-Bourbon, Oloroso sherry, European oak, and quarter casks. It's only available at the Laphroaig distillery shop and to Friends of Laphroaig, the distillery's loyalty programme. Outside of the distilleries, some indie bottlers with a longstanding association with Islay also often release their own festival bottlings. Here's the ones announced so far: For the 2025 Fèis Ìle, family business and indie bottler Douglas Laing have released a customary festival edition of Big Peat, their iconic Islay blended malt. This year's release is marketed as a 2010 'vintage' matured exclusively in refill hogsheads and bottled at 14 years old. Knowing this…I therefore must quibble. Claiming a 2010 'vintage' implies all whiskies blended in were distilled that year, but the blend also includes some precious Port Ellen according to the Douglas Laing website, which was not in operation in 2010…regardless this should still be good value for money. 'Expect layers of sweet smoke intertwined with a salty, oceanic character, culminating in the signature smoky BBQ profile for which Big Peat is renowned.' - Douglas Laing press release. Mac-Talla's 2025 Fèis Ìle release is NAS (No Age Statement) finished in two different Amarone wine casks from Northern Italy that were then blended together.
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Feis Ile 2025: Limited edition festival whiskies from Lagavulin, Jura, Bowmore and Ardbeg - prices and how to buy
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. From peaty whiskies such as Ardbeg and Caol Ila, to lighter drams from Bunnahanhain, Islay has something for all whisky tastes including the range of Fèis Ìle 2025 Festival bottlings Fèis Ìle is Islay's renowned whisky, culture and music festival, and runs this year from the 23 May until 31 May. Each of the nine Islay distilleries have their own festival day which can include tours, tastings and live music. Here we take a look at what festival bottlings are on offer and how you can snap up a bottle. Lagavulin This year, Lagavulin is inviting fans to discover new depths of flavour with Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2025 15 Year-Old. Finished in Moscatel de Málaga casks, this expression showcases a masterful balance of sweet and spicy notes while retaining Lagavulin's distinctive smokiness. This rich and complex bottling offers aromas of salted toffee, and ripe berries, interwoven with maritime medicinal undertones. The palate is luxuriously smooth and creamy, harmonising flavours of sweetness, salt, spice, and smoke. It culminates in a long, drying finish with that lingering fragrant Lagavulin smoke and a captivating note of Sichuan pepper spice. Lagavulin Fèis Ìle 2025 15 Year-Old is bottled at 55.7% ABV, with an RRSP of £240, available to be purchased from the distillery and There will be a total of 1,596 bottles. Caol Ila In a bold new move, Caol Ila is introducing an exciting new dimension of flavour with Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2025 8 Year-Old. This whisky has been matured in a unique combination of refill casks and Pedro Ximénez /Oloroso-seasoned casks, before being finished in new Colombian Oak casks. The result is a burst of bold yet harmonious flavours. As whisky expert Charles MacLean puts it, 'even at reduced strength, the taste is intense!'. T his release explores Caol Ila's waxy character, delivering an intensely smooth, oily texture and a richer, unexpectedly sweet profile emerging from the Colombian Oak cask finish. The whisky's complex smoke is amplified by layers of spice notes and peppery warmth. Caol Ila Fèis Ìle 2025 8 Year-Old is bottled at 55.8% ABV, with an RRSP of £110, available to be purchased from the distillery and There will be a total of 1,476 bottles. Laphroaig Laphroaig will welcome Friends of Laphroaig and whisky lovers from around the world to the distillery on Tuesday 27 May for Laphroaig Open Day. Guests can expect a full day of festivities that capture the spirit of the distillery and its island home – from traditional music and dancing to the warmth of peat fires and the unmistakable aroma of Laphroaig's signature smoky whisky. Laphroaig will mark Fèis Ìle 2025 with its latest Càirdeas expression, Lore Cask Strength – a bold, richly layered single malt that completes our series of cask strength versions of well-known Laphroaig whiskies. With Càirdeas meaning 'friendship' in Gaelic, this release allows Friends of Laphroaig to discover exciting expressions matured in creative casks, and new twists to the iconic Islay Single Malt. Crafted as a marriage of five of Laphroaig's favourite cask types - including ex-Bourbon, Oloroso sherry, European oak, and quarter casks - this expression is non-chill filtered and bottled at natural cask strength, delivering the distillery's most intense flavour profile yet. On the nose, the whisky is sweet, herbal and boldly peaty, with a fruity expression opening with aromas of apricot, peaches in syrup, lemon cream, coconut and vanilla fudge. The palate delivers an explosion of peat and salty sea spray, followed by lemon zest, salted limes, caramel, and herbal notes of mint and tea leaves. Delicate spices like cumin, cloves and ginger emerge, leading to a long, citrus-sweet finish with an enduring phenolic character that defines Laphroaig. Laphroaig Càirdeas Lore Cask Strength SRP is £89 and is on sale exclusively from the distillery shop from Saturday 24 May. Bowmore Bowmore will open the gates to Islay's oldest licensed distillery on Wednesday 28th May for Bowmore Open Day. Set against the stunning backdrop of Loch Indaal, the distillery will come alive with exclusive tastings and experiences, each designed to showcase the craftsmanship behind their whisky. To celebrate this year's festival, Bowmore is proud to unveil an exclusive Fèis Ìle release – a 100% floor-malted single cask bottling. The Bowmore Fèis Ìle 2025 exclusive embodies Bowmore's commitment to quality, innovation and its time-honoured whisky-making tradition. Crafted with intent, and filled entirely by hand in the No. 1 Vaults, this captivating single malt reflects Bowmore's long-standing artisanal philosophy. On the nose, it is intense and spicy with blackcurrant, liquorice root, leather, and peat smoke. The palate is sweet and oily, with floral notes, charred orange rind, black cherry, with a long, lingering, almost chewy finish. Bowmore Fèis Ìle 2025 exclusive SRP is £120 and is on sale from the Bowmore distillery from Wednesday 28 May. Jura Jura Whisky is selling a new single cask release to celebrate this year's Fèis Ìle Festival. On 30 May Jura will be welcoming whisky lovers to its beachside distillery, with tours of the distillery on offer as well as tastings, live music, cocktails and boat tours exploring Jura's beautiful coastline. To mark the 2025 festival, a very special expression will be released limited to just 300 bottles, exclusively available to the whisky-lovers who visit Jura in-person during Fèis Ìle. Joe Ricketts, whisky maker, explained: 'For this year's Fèis Ìle single cask release we've revisited a standout 2007 vintage parcel. In 2022 the whisky making and distillery teams selected #1892, a bold, rich oloroso butt which explored a different side to Jura's distillery character. 'With an additional three years maturation, #1895 builds on the complexity of our 2022 Fèis Ìle release, with notes of crystallised citrus, prune and hazelnut together with hints of polished leather and dark chocolate from its full-course Sherry maturation.' This whisky is available exclusively at the Jura distillery between 23 May and 31 May 2025 with an RSP of £135. Ardbeg Marking 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee, this year's festivities on Saturday 31 May are, the team say, set to be out of this world. At the distillery and across the globe, Ardbeg will transport smoky malt lovers' taste-buds to a fruity new dimension, with Ardbeg Smokiverse, the limited edition whisky released for the festival. This limited edition will be the Islay distillery's first whisky crafted from a high-gravity mash, resulting in a distinctly vibrant, tropical and fruity spirit. This unconventional 'high-gravity' mash magnified the intensity of flavour-active compounds known as acetate esters, leading to a fruitier, more tropical spirit. Aged in bourbon casks, this Ardbeg whisky unveils layers of muscovado sugar, ripe barley, and toasted sourdough bread, all culminating in a burst of ripe tropical fruits and sweet peat. Ardbeg Smokiverse will be available to buy worldwide from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers, the Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay, and on from 28 May.
Black America Web
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Celebrate World Whisky Day 2025 With These Excellent Selections
This Saturday (May 17), World Whisky Day takes place, and whisky lovers around the globe will hopefully have some pours of their favorite tried and true drams with family and friends. For World Whisky Day 2025, CASSIUS is leaning into whisky made in Scotland, Canada, and Japan, and we'll shine a light on American and Irish whiskey at a later time. Now that I'm a year removed from this World Whisky Day post, I've gotten more exposure to whisky made in the aforementioned nations. Armed with a bit more knowledge about the wide world of whisky, I feel confident suggesting the bottles I've compiled in this particular roundup. I'll share what I wrote last year as a primer: …the term whisky applies to spirits made in Scotland, Japan, or Canada, while whiskey applies to spirits made in the United States and Ireland. Adding to this, bourbon can only be made in the United States and must feature a mash bill of 51 percent corn before other grains are introduced. Further, Kentucky bourbon, as you might get from the name, can only be called as such if it's made in the state. Enough nerding out about that for now. Let's get into the history of World Whisky Day. The holiday was officially established in March 2012 by University of Aberdeen student Blair Bowman, who was 21 at the time. According to Whiskey Partners, Bowman was studying in Barcelona and remarked that whiskey didn't have a global holiday like other adult beverages, so he took it upon himself to create a website to get the ball rolling. After researching the holiday more, I'm comfortable in saying that Bowman was not considering American or Irish-made whiskey in his celebration, and last year, I did include whiskies from all over the world. This year, I'm sticking to the whisky guns and only featuring juice without the 'e.' I would like to return to the space and share what I've learned about Scotland's different whisky-producing regions at a later date. For now, I hope you discover a new favorite or see a familiar brand in our World Whisky Day 2025 roundup. Cheers! — Photo: Source: Motortion / Getty Celebrate World Whisky Day 2025 With These Excellent Selections was originally published on Source:D.L. Chandler Aberfeldy is a Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky known as the 'Golden Dram' due to its color but also because of its water source, the Pitilie Burn, which contains tiny bits of gold. I've had the entire core range of Aberfeldy and while they're all excellent, I always go back to the 12 Year expression for my sunset dram. Learn more here. Source:Ardbeg I've had my fair share of Ardbeg whisky and of the brand's premium Single Malt Scotch offerings, and I've become a huge fan of its Uigeadail expression. Uigeadail (Oog-a-dal) is a non-age statement whisky aged in Oloroso Sherry and Ex-Bourbon Casks barrels featuring a lot of peat. I always feel classy having a glass of Uigeadail. Learn more here. Source:Crown Royal As I grew up in a particular type of neighborhood in a particular fashion, I would see my uncles and his friends having backyard parties with plenty of purple bags of Crown Royal's core whisky on deck. As I'm older and with refined tastes, I appreciated my few encounters with Crown Royal's higher-end Reserve expression. This weekend, I'll be checking out Crown Royal's limited-edition Marquis expression, so stay tuned for that. Learn more here. Source:Glenfiddich Glenfiddich is a distillery that produces Single Malt Scotch whisky in Scotland's Speyside region, and their 12-Year-Old Sherry Cask Finish is a fine start to learn about the brand. At 86 proof, I often wonder how the whisky would taste with at, say 95 or so, but this pours a solid dram. Learn more here. Source:Glenglassaugh Glenglassaugh specializes in Scotch whisky crafted off the coasts of Scotland, named after a village near the brand's distillery. At just under 100 proof, the Portsoy, part of Glenglassaugh's core expression, this whisky has some of those briny notes from the coastal winds. Aged in former sherry, bourbon, and port casks, all of those sweet notes from the used barrels still shine through the peat smoke. This is a winner. Learn more here. Portsoy whisky day,glenglassaugh portsoy Source:Glengoyne I am completely new to the Glengoyne brand as of the last 48 hours. I don't have the deepest of dives just yet, and what I can say is that this Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky is worth seeking out. There is no peat, which is an aspect of most whiskies produced in that region, but I suppose Scotch drinkers know this going in. It's also priced just right despite being an adequately aged product. Learn more here. Source:Glenmorangie I know that experienced Scotch whisky drinkers can appreciate a bracing, biting sip in their drams, but for folks still getting their training wheels on, finding something easy to sip is a great way to learn. The Glenmorangie 12 Year Old The Original expression is part of the famed Highlands distillery's core lineup and is an affordable sipper that doesn't fuss about too much. It's also pretty sneaky, so make those pours sensible. Learn more here. Source:Suntory The House of Suntory specializes in an array of spirits produced in Japan, including its award-winning Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies. I am actually more familiar with Suntory's Japanese gin than I am their whisky, but I've had plenty of Harmony as my neighbors always have it stocked. It is a blend of whiskies produced in Japan, and it's an easy sipper neat or on the rocks. Excited to learn more about this brand in the future. Learn more here. Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky, whisky day,hibiki japanese harmony Source:Isle of Skye Isle of Skye produces a wide range of whisky, and their 8 Years Old expression is the only one I've tried thus far, fairly recently at that. This bottle features whisky from the islands and the Speyside region, and there's a nice amount of smoky peat in there. Priced for budget consumers, it certainly doesn't drink that way. Learn more here. Source:Monkey Shoulder Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky is said to be made strictly for mixing, and it does a great job as a base for the Old Fashioned, a Whisky Sour, or a Rob Roy. I've even started to have a pour over a large rock and it still kicks adequate ass. Learn more here. Source:Old Parr Old Parr keeps it simple with just two expressions in its lineup: Aged 12 Years and Aged 18 Years. I've had both, and this is a really approachable whisky for people still learning the category, like myself. Also, the 12 makes a killer highball, which is my preferred way to have it. Learn more here. Okay, so I said I wasn't going to feature any American whiskey. Please note the 'e' in that sentence. Beyoncé's SirDavis is an American Rye whisky (their spelling) with a mashbill of 51 percent rye and 49 percent malted barley. To some, that much spicy rye in a dram might turn off some, but SirDavis was created under the watchful eye of Dr. Bill Lumsden, who has worked with Scotch whiskey brands Ardbeg and Glenmorangie. I say this qualifies as whisky without the 'e' and is a dram that works well with the sherry cask finish. My whisky purists are certainly balking at this, but I'm supporting this loud and proud, because, Black, first of all, and secondly, it's Beyoncé! Learn more here. Source:Smokehead I recently had a bourbon finished in barrels that previously held tequila, and the results were pleasant. Smokehead's Tequila Cask Terminado expression pairs single malt in former tequila barrels, and the dance of the famed Mexican spirit's vegetal notes alongside the peated whisky works well despite not being a proof bomb. Personally, the lower proof works for me. Learn more here. Source:The Balvenie The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old is one of the Highlands Single Malt Scotch whisky producer's core offerings and nails its rum cask finishing concept. This isn't the first whisky to use barrels that previously held rum for maturing, but it does stand far apart from most. Learn more here. Source:The GlenDronach The GlenDronach is a Single Malt Scotch whisky from Scotland's Highland region, and aged for 12 years in Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. This is a sweeter style of whisky, and could be a nice gateway for new Scotch drinkers. I've only had their 12 year as I'm not at all a baller like that. I will vouch for this bottle. Learn more here. Source:The Macallan The Macallan is a notable name in the world of Single Malt Scotch whisky and for good reason. I've had all of the brand's core collections and even some of its limited edition releases due to associates who also love The Macallan's classic whisky offerings. I'm featuring the Double Cask 12 Years Old expression as it's readily available and showcases what this brand's whisky is all about from the ground floor. Learn more here. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Belfast Telegraph
12-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
NI hotel to welcome overnight guests from next week following £1.6m revamp
The Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough, formerly The Londonderry Arms, has announced it's open to overnight guests from Monday, May 19. Soft openings for its restaurants and bars have been taking place over the last few weeks. The venue was acquired by a team led by hotelier Adrian McLaughlin, master Irish whiskey distiller, Darryl McNally and entrepreneur Carl Harrison in summer last year. The trio, who also own Outwalker and Limavady Whiskey, have carried out what they described as an 'extensive yet sensitive restoration' of the venue, which is located along the Causeway Coast. Described as 'Ireland's first whiskey hotel,' its bar will serve over 300 whiskeys and classic whiskey cocktails. Mr McLaughlin, a former general manager at Belfast's Merchant Hotel and Carton House in Co Kildare, said: 'We are excited that our vision for this historic hotel will soon become a reality. 'From the outset, we have endeavoured to build on the legacy of this landmark building, which has been at the cornerstone of the local community for generations. 'The people of Carnlough and the surrounding areas have welcomed us with open arms and it's been heartening to see the incredibly positive response from the local community in recent months. 'We've poured our passion for Irish whiskey into the development of our unique food and beverage offerings and exciting events programmes. We look forward to toasting the opening of Ireland's first whiskey hotel, with our first guests in the weeks and months ahead.' The team said the hotel's new name is a nod to the village's 'picturesque harbour views'. The property was built 1848 by Frances Anne Vane Tempest, and once owned by Sir Winston Churchill, who inherited the property in 1921. The new owners said: 'Retaining stunning features including open fires and original terrazzo flooring, the new hotel features a newly refurbished bar, lounge and restaurant, offering the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern Irish hospitality.' Each of the 35 bedrooms have been redecorated and revamped, they added. And in the bar, famous heritage whiskey brands like Midleton and The Macallan will be served alongside Copeland, Bushmills, Ardbeg, Shortcross, plus The Harbourview's own Outwalker and Limavady whiskeys. There will be a programme of monthly events, including boat trips to Islay for guided tours of the Bruichladdich and Ardbeg distilleries. And The Carnlough Whiskey Festival from August 20 to 23 August will be a key event on the hotel's schedule this summer. The hotel's Coach House bar and restaurant will offer all day dining from 12 to 8.30pm, while its MacAuley Suite can cater for weddings and private events with over 80 guests. Mr McLaughlin spoke to Business Telegraph last year about the decision to take on The Londonderry Arms. 'Darryl and I have been working together for the last couple of years to develop Outwalker and Limavady Irish Whiskey, and we've built up a nice working relationship. 'This hotel came along and we decided it has got a lot of charm, there's a lot of history there. For us right now it's probably the right size, so it ticks a lot of boxes. News Catch Up - Monday 12 May 'So we thought how would we make it a new destination if we were to take it on. The thought that kept coming up was that a whiskey hotel just made sense, given our combined skillsets. There isn't one in Ireland but there are some in Scotland. 'From the research we carried out, this will be considerably different and will offer whiskey experiences to complement what the hotel can do. It will show off whiskey in a way others haven't thought about.'
The Sun
02-05-2025
- The Sun
I've explored over 100 Scottish islands and these are my top five that rival Skye – one has 14 distilleries
DID you know Scotland boasts over 800 islands? I've been travelling the globe for over two decades and hand on tartan heart, Scotland remains my favourite country and its islands unbeatable. 6 6 I love Skye. The problem is so does everyone else. Skye gets ridiculously busy with campervans clogging narrow roads and hordes fighting to the bar in Portree's pubs. The good news is that there are other Scottish isles just as beautiful. I've explored over 100 of them and found many rival Skye – I reckon some isles are even more rewarding for a holiday. Here are five crackers so that you too can dodge the Skye-bound hordes. Arran – 'Scotland in Miniature' Scotland's seventh largest island reclines a stone's throw from Glasgow. The journey is a joy on the swanky new Glen Sannox ferry. Arran is a stunner – mountains soar in the north, rolling hills and sandy beaches charm in the south. A literal Stonesthrow is the new sauna. I've just returned to Arran and it's brilliant fun steaming away with sea views, then plunging into the water. I also went out with the lovely Zoe from Wild Food Arran, who showed me a forest can be a wild supermarket with free food. The food was great at the Drift Inn, with epic views of Holy Isle. Superb too at the Corrie Hotel, a trendy boutique bolthole run by a couple who swapped Manhattan for Arran. Exploring UK Islands: A Journey Through Beautiful Isles (1) 6 6 After a few days on Arran – the only isle with all of Scotland's 'Big Five' wildlife - you'll see why they chose Arran. Islay – Whisky Galore Skye is a whisky amateur compared to gorgeous Islay, slated to soon celebrate its 14th distillery. My favourites – Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig (try spelling those after dramming) – are connected by a walking trail along the rugged wildlife-rich southern coast. Splash out on more expensive tours to discover drams you won't find in the supermarket. They all have lovely bars too. Islay trumps Skye on beaches. Of the necklace of epic sands Machir Bay is my tip for a life-affirming stroll savouring big skies and huge Atlantic breakers. There is of course, a distillery – Kilchoman. E-bikes are a great way to get around and explore Islay's wee whitewashed villages. You'll see why she is hailed the 'Queen of Hebrides'. Eigg – A community-owned oasis Skye's wee southern sister shows what happens when you entrust islanders to run their own affairs. The opposite of Lord of the Flies, the community buy-out in 1997 on Eigg has been a roaring success, bucking the Hebridean trend by significantly growing the population and attracting young families. This real life Treasure Island sports a brewery and a record label. They even became the world's first island to generate all their own energy from green sources. Even the bikes rented out by Eigg Adventures are run on green electricity. As do the spotless (contactless) showers, part of the impressive new An Laimhrig community centre, which houses a shop selling local venison and a cafe alive with local produce. Eigg is jaw-dropping with volcanoes, craggy coast and sweeping beaches (one even 'sings'). Eigg also cannily steals Skye's most impressive mountains as a dramatic backdrop. My kids love Eigg and I love the different ways of living that it readily shares with them. 6 Barra – the Outer Hebrides in Miniature My favourite archipelago on the planet, a 130-mile chain of spirit-soaring isles that ensures you won't miss Skye just across the Minch. If you only have time for one make it Barra, an Outer Hebridean greatest hits. It's all here, from chunky hills and the sort of beaches you thought only existed in brochures, through to a castle on its own islet (Kisimul) and world-class wildlife. Barra charms with the brilliant Bùth Bharraigh , a community info hub that surges to the heart of Barra and waits for you if the last ferry is late. Come by plane to thrill at the world's only scheduled beach landing. Don't miss the Vatersay Boys – if you're lucky they'll be careering through a chaotic session at the Castlebay – and Café Kisimul's delicious local king scallop pakoras. Sanday – Bountiful beaches and welcoming islanders I could give you a dozen Northern Isles to rival Skye, but we've only space for one. The name gives Orkney's Sanday away, with swathes of cotton white sand beaches Skye can only dream of. You'll find an old German warship (B98) wreck at low tide wedged at Lopness. Sanday's community could scarcely be more welcoming. Meet them at the community craft hub and buy art from local creatives. Or maybe meet over a delicious pizza at the UK's most northerly wood-fired pizzeria . Sanday also offers a mysterious broch (an ancient Scottish fortified tower) and prehistoric sites. Hiring a bike is a great way to explore. Kids love poodling around choosing which paradise beach to stop off at next to swim with the seals.
