First off, thanks Roy and Bill - plus all the guests - for a brilliant video. I share the connection you feel with Islay and watching this made me quite emotional. To see how people feel about this beautiful island just makes makes me happy, and it is indeed a magical place. I’ve been across the last two years and am going back later this year for a few distillery visits, but more so for the island itself and the people. My wife’s not a big whisky fan, but loves the island and the pace of life... and we can’t wait to return. Thanks again for taking the time to document you and Bill’s trip, Roy. Loved every second. Cheers!
I've made the pilgrimage to Islay 3 times since 2015, and I deeply understand the Magic of Islay. It was absolutely the whisky that brought me to the island, but it was the island that captured my heart and imagination, and calls me back. I've spent time wandering and hiking in the wilderness around the island, and there is a tranquil silence and calm that follows you everywhere. From the Mull of Oa to the shores of Bunnahabhain, it stays with you. Even when you're in the villages, time slows down. Your feet carry you forward a half a step slower, as if to allow the time to appreciate where you are. You may have noticed when you drive around the island, other drivers will wave to you as if you were their neighbor. And you're correct, everyone is so friendly, and that passes on to the rest of us while we stay there. While the weather is unpredictable, somehow Mother Nature knows to go easy on us during the Feis. Even when we were forecast for rain or deep cold in 2018, the weather found ways to surprise us. Islay is easily my favorite place on earth, and hope to continue the pilgrimage throughout my life. Also, I met Mario this past year (2018) at the end of Laphroaig Day. I landed late that day and missed the festivities, and he and his friend were the last stragglers.
And thanks for continuing to watch and support George. As I type this a notification pops in that Aimee has just commented too. How cool! You guys are awesome!
I was there again last week for my 34th visit since 2009 and I am a Scot who lives in Scotland on the east coast of the mainland.Its all about the journey there,the people,the pace of life and of course the whisky.Its a very special place.And unique.
ok so I think I've watched this 15 times now and it is still an enticing, refreshing, compelling, exciting, amazing perspective on this place. I.WILL.GO.SOME.DAY. but for now I am putting this on auto-repeat.....I wish. Slainte Roy. Thanks for a "fantastic" glimpse of the Ileach and the people and the culture of that corner of Scotland.
What a fantastic video - I couldn’t agree more! I’ve only ever been to Islay once, in 2014, when I was a broke 20 year old student. It’s like part of me never left. That one trip has been the foundation of a deep love and appreciation for the island, its spirit, and for Scotland in general. I don’t actually know what it is about Islay; I struggle to put my finger on it. It’s magic, as you said. It’s the kindness of the locals, the remoteness, isolation and stark beauty of the place. To this day, my favourite bottle of whisky would be Laphroaig Quarter Cask because when I open it and smell it, it’s that exact same smell I first smelled on a crisp morning in August, getting off the bus at Laphroaig. It’s absolutely uncanny. I know that I will return to Islay, hopefully sooner rather than later, because every couple of months, out of the blue, I get this deep sense of longing for that place I have only ever spent six days on. Magic, definitely.
One of the best ‘self made’ ‘amateur’ videos I’ve seen in a long time. Makes me desperate to get back to Scotland and do the same tour. Love a Peaty one. Alan from New Zealand.
Thanks for posting, I love Islay! My great great gran was born there, and I even stayed at her childhood home a couple of years ago , which now has self catering accommodation (Upper Cragabus). I loved Kildalton Cross, and finding graves of my ancestors!!
Amazing video. Watched after referral from the whiskey vault boys during their " vacation" week. Did anyone else see the fish jump at 23:32 in the interview? Cool lucky touch!!!
Just returned from Islay after a long weekend away, 1st time there and aiming to go back. This video reflects the exact feelings we felt while there, obviously massively quieter due to the pandemic running off to what you can see on this video, however the friendliness and helpfulness of the entire island, from locals and visitors alike, replicated completely.
Great video, thanks for bringing it to us. I think there is something about small, remote islands that filters out those who don't love being there. Also being on a small island, everyone has to depend more on each other and that influences the culture. Tourism is important to them and Islay and the whiskey is what makes them unique. I know that you can taste the salt and the peat and the craft and skill of the distillers and blenders of the whiskey. Like the rest I am partial to Islay whiskey. I hope to visit someday. Life is a journey not a guided tour and always show respect to your hosts and savor every dram.
My wife and I went to Islay in April, 2018 from the States. There is so much I could write, but it would just be adding and confirming to what you have said here! What an excellent video!
We were planning our trip to Scotland, especially to Islay, before the pandemic. Two years and a Brexit later I had a wonderful time on this island with my friends, saw the distilleries I appreciate in real life and bought some bottles. Now I am sitting in front of the laptop and watching this episode. Now I have something, what we call "Fernweh" in Germany. Hopefully I am able to return to this wonderful island, experiencing the magic of Islay another time. Thank you for this great video!
Great video. You really captured the calmness that everyone there seem to have. I enjoyed that you spent so much time giving us a tour of people's experience, and not so much the distilleries.
Hi Aqvavitae, Rex sent me. That was a magnificent video! Very well done, and now I have to experience the magic of islay. I'm also going to binge watch the rest of your videos. Cheers!
Great production, beautifully done & thoughtful. Although you don’t expect it, i the wonderful island of islay and its distilleries owe u a big thank you. Cheers Sir.
Such a fantastic place to visit. Spent 5 days on Islay in 2013. Absolute magic experience. Friendly people and great distilleries. One of the best experiences of my life for sure.
Great vid, thanks! I visited Islay three years ago, from Florida... it is indeed a magical place. Your video captures this very effectively. I need to go back!
Very well produced and edited equally as well, like most people I’m watching to learn and get a feel for what lays behind my glass, there are very few places that attain that sense of common interest and well being, Islay is on my list.
Seeing this made me miss Islay so much...glad to see you met up with Tom at Laphroig...he was super and came in to Islay Hotel and had a few pours with us...such a magical place
Very nice video. I plan on visiting after I retire sometime next year. My first introduction to Islay Scotch was Laphroaig Lore at one of my favorite restaurants in Atlantic City. It was like getting hit in the head with a brick. I was so used to the Speysides and Highlands that it was at first overpowering. Once that I got used to it, though, I just became a lover of all Islay Scotch. I have six in my collection now and I plan on adding more. I can't wait until I can come over and tour the island and visit all of the distilleries. L'Chaim.
And now I really want to visit Scotland and especially, first of all - Islay Greetings from Russia. It looks like Islay people are very similar with us.
The choice of music is highly irritating , but the commentary on Islay and the distilleries is very profound, interesting and intriguing. Seems almost a metaphysical experience being out on the peat bogs of Islay.
I have been to Islay twice now ONLY IN DECEMBER ! Yes it’s harsh ,, windy,, cold. But it’s just as brilliant. All distilleries are in full production. Your tours are extremely small and very personal, actually most of the time it’s one on one ! There is time to REALLY get time to connect with everyone. At Bruchladdich we had a tasting with the original owners great granddaughter,so informal and heartfelt ,bringing out “special” 30+ year old drams from her office desk 👍 I cannot wait to go back
Brilliant video! Great work with editing and sound as well. I’ve been to Islay 3 times and completely agree - its magical. And it’s the people that make the island so welcoming, makes you return year after year and the Whisky, as you said, acts as the catalyst. Well done!
It’s remarkable how often the simplest truths are the most powerful: “....whisky teaches you very quickly you have to treat it with respect.” That one’s good enough to be Newton’s Fourth Law. Another exceptional piece, sir - please continue the great work, and ‘Slainte.’
Awesome George, it's great to hear how many people this has inspired to take action to go there - I just hope they don't assume that awesome display of weather. It's usually much more fickle than that!
Wow! What an absolute joy to watch, Roy. Really well done, like a mini documentary! I look forward to the day I get to visit Islay myself or any of Scotland for that matter. Slainte friend.
What a dream trip this is for me! Probably will never happen, but I'm holding out hope. Sipping on a bottle of Lagavulin now that was gifted to me as a Christmas present.
Awesome video from you guys, I was there on the 16th of June and stayed in the cottages at Ardbeg. Cannot wait to go bag, the full place is like on big family. Everyone knows everyone and the locals are so friendly. The place truly is something out of a children's fairy-tale: beautiful views, wonderful people and amazing whisky.
Wonderful video, Roy. I really enjoyed your insights into the island and the people. My wife and I are doing our second cycling trip in Scotland this August and we’re on Islay for a few days.
Aqvavitae Will do. We fell in love with your country last year when we rode from Aberdeen to Applecross. Bit more laid back pace this year with more time in Glasgow too.
Much appreciated, just wanted to convey you did such a good job you had me wanting me to book a ticket immediately. The quality of your presentation would do any Scottish/Islay tourism board proud! Thanks for doing this!
Islay is magical, been there (from South Africa, it's a long trip) 4 times since 2012 now. Never during the festival and once just before christmas, can't imagine it with the crowds I see in this video. Thanks for this, been missing my trips.
Found you by the way of the scotch test dummies, very well done video! Fantastic glimpse into the Islay experience. Definitely on my list of places to visit. Thank you for sharing.
My Partner, my big labmarador and I are all heading to Islay for my 3rd ever visit in July - a few months ahead of my own 50th birthday. Your video has me both excited and inspired - I shall try to put my OWN finger on that elusive malty magic. Thank you!
Great video! Here from the Whisk(e)y Vault and Rex's referral. I am a Canadian with Scottish ancestry and am planning a long trip to Scotland with my wife to take in its history and culture. Islay will certainly be a destination where we will be spending quite some time. Ardbeg is my scotch of choice!
Absolutely gorgeous video which I think is destined to become a RUclips classic for anyone searching “Islay”. The interviews were brilliant and amazing editing! What incredibly lovely weather. It looked like the Mediterranean. It transported me back to the Island and my stress levels have indeed dropped signifantly whilst and since watching. Thank you so much Roy. I absolutely agree with most things which were said but feel that this is only a part of the reason for the magic of Islay. Anyone who has drunk Islay whisky on Islay will instantly recognise that oneness between the whisky and the island. For me, Islay whisky never tasted the same after my first visit. The whisky brings with it all the memories of the aromas and atmosphere of the island which is recognisable within the whisky. That’s terroir! It’s a similar experience drinking wine from Gvaot winery in the Shomron near Shilo or drinking Adir wine in the vineyards of Kerem Ben Zimra in the Upper Galil. Once you have identified that flavour and smell in the alcohol from the region, you recognise it when drinking the whisky or wine wherever you are. I don’t think I’ll ever come to Islay during the Feis Ile festival. I prefer going when it’s quieter and people have more time for a chat. The last couple of times we have were on Islay was in October and November which is considered outside tourist season. Both times we were very lucky with the weather and accommodation was easy to find with the best prices. Oh, and no midgies! I think the character of Islay has a lot to do with the fact that it’s such a small island, some distance from the mainland. It is not cheap to get there either. With so many distilleries per square mile, you are never more than a few hundred meters from whisky, the peat, the distillery smells and the coastland. This obviously affects the character of the island. Criminal activity is virtually zero because of the two factors, those being: Almost everyone knowing everyone else along with the fact that it is so difficult getting on and off the island without someone knowing about it, crime is virtually zero. This increases the trust level which contributes to a low stress level. This atmosphere rubs off on visitors to the island. (Take my petrol story for instance where the post office shop in Port Charlotte took it on trust how many litres I had put in the car) as well as people leaving their doors open and cars unlocked. It is not all paradise there. There is one supermarket on the island in Bowmore. With no competition, prices are high. The island needs another supermarket, perhaps a Tesco. Now some comments from a unique Jewish perspective. As an outwardly Orthodox Jew, I have experienced mild anti-Semitism in the Southern Highlands but in total contrast, almost royal status in the Northern Highlands by Gaelic speaking Chrstians who apparently worship King David and his descendants like a separate deity. On Islay however, almost no Illeach ever commented about us being Orthodox Jews with two exceptions. A manager at Ardbeg asked me why some whiskies were kosher and some not. Then, in a surreal moment, a young woman came up to my wife and I in the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte and asked how she could go about converting to Judaism. We were almost speechless but stayed listening to her fascinating story for over an hour. I did however have an unpleasant experience with an American tourist and fundamentalist Chrstian who insisted on telling me in great detail his peace plan for the Middle East by converting all the Jews in Israel. The problem was that we kept bumping into the guy at each distillery tour as we went round the island. Having said that, many Israelis ask me how I manage to eat on Islay with no kosher food! In fact, if you bring your own kosher milk and cheese and soup, we have no problem eating well. You can purchase kosher species of fish such as salmon and haddock, with fruit, nuts and vegetables from the supermarket. (The main problem is of course that there is no minyan! I would love at some point, to organise a large group with a quorum of ten men). A few Illeachs complained about house prices and chronic shortage of homes due to everyone renting out to tourists although according to online data, the situation has improved over the last year. The educational level is considerably lower than on the mainland. There is a chronic shortage of High school teachers with overcrowded classrooms. (Any Islay whisky loving teachers out there?). Parents with High school kids would want to think carefully before moving to Islay. On the other hand, Islay has one of the lowest unemployment figures in Scotland. Lastly, there is a danger that with the increasing whisky tourist industry and more and more distilleries opening up on this tiny island, that the island will turn into a Whisky Disney Land. Although the Illeachs are friendly, with increasing tourists visiting the island, this will inevitably change its character for the worse.
There's a tennis court that m mother and I played tennis on when our family were on holiday there when I was 13. The smell of the mash from Laphroaig was redolent and I still remember it. Just did the Bowmore tour back then (I'm 60 now), but I plan to revisit and do a distillery tour. I loved the island.
A wonderful video to watch. Thanks. I visited Islay in 2012 after discovering that my great grandfather had died in a shipwreck there in 1911. As far as I am aware I am the only person in the family to visit the shipwreck site at Kilchiarain Bay. You're right about the magic of the place and the people. I had made my intentions aware a few months prior to visiting that I wanted to put some flowers in the sea at the wreck site. The local farmer went out of his way to assist myself and my wife to get to that remote location and others I met were so helpful. I felt as if I was meeting friends rather than strangers. I must go back one day. I only managed to visit Bruichladdich distillery but that was also a fantastic experience.
What an amazing story, wow. I know there are a few historical wrecks around the island. Thank you for sharing this and I really hope you do get back one day
Always enjoy your videos. Planning to visit Islay next summer. Have you considered making a video of the different distillery tours on Islay highlighting the differences and uniquenesses? We won’t have enough time to tour all of them, although the plan is to visit all of them for a dram. Would appreciate any suggestions on the tours. Thx
Having just come back home after a short trip to Islay this video took me straight back. I'm standing in the car park at Laphoraig just nosing the Smokey Peaty air. Tom the bar man at Laphoraig was excellent with his personality and his knowledge of the the whisky. We will be back next year!
man and here I thought that I already wanted to visit Islay...time to start looking into next years Fèis Ìle for real now! You captured something very special here Roy. Great job!
@ 23:19 as you were have a nice conversation then suddenly in the background a fish jumped straight up into the air to possibly catch a bug. What a cool natural place. I never realised it was still a place captured in a distant time and place so to speak. Thank you Roy for produceing this very unnique video capyureing the spirit of the whisky,peoples and places its created. Very unnique video presentation. Slainte'
This is incredible Roy. I'm very excited to be visiting Islay next year! I absolutely love that the focus of this video was not just on whisky but the essence of Scotland, Islay, whisky, the people and how it all works together.
I was the big, bald eejit getting in the way during the Lagavulin warehouse tour. My daughter managed to draw enough 25yr old for us all to have a second dram. Fantastic video. Absolutely nails what it is like to be there, on the unique island.
Great video Roy. Thanks for putting it together for our enjoyment. You got a lucky break with the weather my son. I absolutely believe in terroir and Islay has it. Some will say that's ridiculous and that it's a scientific process but my sensory experience tells me otherwise. You know I love sherry and I have been to the sherry triangle of Jerez, Sanlucar and Santa Maria. Those places, like Islay and whisky, make sherry real for me. It's a hot and vital Andalucian drink, not something for your granny at Christmas. The heat and salty Atlantic air permeates the barrels of Sanlucar and you can taste it in the the famous salty manzanilla produced there. It is so natural that no fortification is needed because the natural yeast in the air does the trick. I mention this because all experienced lovers of serious drinks know that all the science in the world does not explain the alchemy of high end alcoholic drinks. There is a magic involved which brings me back to Islay. My first independent foray into whisky was Islay and it will always be special for me. It's unfair to other regions but Islay is the quintessence for me. There's something about peat that I equate to primeval history and to the land that produces it, Scotland, but particularly that special island.
Holy shit Welsh, these are some great words to read. Spot on. One day we'll sit over a nice sherry and I'll listen to your evangelism about that other special drink. Thank you my friend.
Great video as brings back memories from 60+ years ago. I was a catering boy 👦 on the MacBraynes MV Loch Ard sailing from Glasgow to Islay collecting barrels of whisky 🥃 to take to the bottlers In Glasgow.
Roy, this is a wonderful video of your recent trip to Islay. You certainly captured the essence of that special island. I saw a lot of familiar places and faces. I felt like I was standing there again in some of those same places and breathing in the Islay air. I can also relate to your excitement on landing in Islay and the sadness on departing since I had the same feelings on both of my trips there. Sláinte !
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
First off, thanks Roy and Bill - plus all the guests - for a brilliant video. I share the connection you feel with Islay and watching this made me quite emotional. To see how people feel about this beautiful island just makes makes me happy, and it is indeed a magical place. I’ve been across the last two years and am going back later this year for a few distillery visits, but more so for the island itself and the people. My wife’s not a big whisky fan, but loves the island and the pace of life... and we can’t wait to return. Thanks again for taking the time to document you and Bill’s trip, Roy. Loved every second. Cheers!
Wow Scott, thank you so much for the kind words - I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. Looking forward to our hook up!
Your comment echoes my exact feelings on watching this video. Thanks Roy and Bill for transporting me and a walk through trip to Islay .
Totally primed for a vist to Islay. Gotta make it in this lifetime .
Moving to Islay in a week! cant wait to venture the land an meet new people!
Thanks for posting great vid. Greetings from Vancouver Canada.
can we talk about that fish at 23:18?
I've been saying that one day, when that fish is rich and famous, he won't even acknowledge I gave him his break. Damn he can jump though huh?
Photobomb!
So glad I'm not the only one who noticed and thought that was awesome
Spotted
Was gonna comment on the fish, but it looks like most everyone else beat me to it.
You are an artist my friend. What a fantastic video. Pieced together to perfection. Extremely well done. 🙏🏻
Whiskyinthe6 shirt rep'd hard too!
Yeah! I flew the 6 flag. :p
Toronto loves you for it.
Scotty Swing yes sir.
Aqvavitae very grateful for it!
Hello from the whisk(e)y vault
Welcome! Enjoy your stay my friend.
Whisk(e)y vault represent.
Beware the Cult of Ardbeg
- Legionnaire of Lagavulin.
One more WV stopping by. Enjoyed the video more than you could know. Thanks!!
Very envious...loved the video ..its now on my bucket list
I've made the pilgrimage to Islay 3 times since 2015, and I deeply understand the Magic of Islay. It was absolutely the whisky that brought me to the island, but it was the island that captured my heart and imagination, and calls me back. I've spent time wandering and hiking in the wilderness around the island, and there is a tranquil silence and calm that follows you everywhere. From the Mull of Oa to the shores of Bunnahabhain, it stays with you. Even when you're in the villages, time slows down. Your feet carry you forward a half a step slower, as if to allow the time to appreciate where you are. You may have noticed when you drive around the island, other drivers will wave to you as if you were their neighbor. And you're correct, everyone is so friendly, and that passes on to the rest of us while we stay there. While the weather is unpredictable, somehow Mother Nature knows to go easy on us during the Feis. Even when we were forecast for rain or deep cold in 2018, the weather found ways to surprise us. Islay is easily my favorite place on earth, and hope to continue the pilgrimage throughout my life. Also, I met Mario this past year (2018) at the end of Laphroaig Day. I landed late that day and missed the festivities, and he and his friend were the last stragglers.
Fantastic video Roy, Great way to highlight your trip and stunning shots of Islay, also FISH PHOTOBOMB at 23:18 #LegendaryTrout Lol
Yes! I seen that to!!
The fish will forget me when it's rich and famous :(
*check comments. yup, someone got there already!
I finally found time to watch, and was gonna comment on #LegendaryTrout - rather I will just reply to your comment...
Are you sure it´s a trout, Jason?
I like how at the 23 min Mark a Fish jumps out of the water and spins around behind the dude being interviewed.. LOL ☺😊😀😁😂😃
This was delightful to watch...as enjoyable as the whiskey itself. Such good memories of visit years ago. Beautiful island and beautiful people.
That fish jump at 23:18. Amazing shot composition. You couldn’t have planned that.
He was a bit of a diva, but we got the shot in the end 😉
Superb Roy! Thanks so much for bringing Islay to us and sharing your trip in such a unique way.
And thanks for continuing to watch and support George. As I type this a notification pops in that Aimee has just commented too. How cool! You guys are awesome!
Thanks for such a great video,Islay deffo on our list to visit ...
Thanks for giving me an in depth video of a place I want to experience. Great job love that you get the true essence of islay.
I was there again last week for my 34th visit since 2009 and I am a Scot who lives in Scotland on the east coast of the mainland.Its all about the journey there,the people,the pace of life and of course the whisky.Its a very special place.And unique.
Outstanding Roy! Well done!
Thank you fellas!
ok so I think I've watched this 15 times now and it is still an enticing, refreshing, compelling, exciting, amazing perspective on this place. I.WILL.GO.SOME.DAY. but for now I am putting this on auto-repeat.....I wish. Slainte Roy. Thanks for a "fantastic" glimpse of the Ileach and the people and the culture of that corner of Scotland.
Cracking video Roy! It has only made me want to visit Islay even more.
Get it done! It's only a wee boat trip away! :p
Really great video Roy, I reckon the Islay tourist board owe you a debt of gratitude.
What a fantastic video - I couldn’t agree more! I’ve only ever been to Islay once, in 2014, when I was a broke 20 year old student. It’s like part of me never left. That one trip has been the foundation of a deep love and appreciation for the island, its spirit, and for Scotland in general. I don’t actually know what it is about Islay; I struggle to put my finger on it. It’s magic, as you said. It’s the kindness of the locals, the remoteness, isolation and stark beauty of the place. To this day, my favourite bottle of whisky would be Laphroaig Quarter Cask because when I open it and smell it, it’s that exact same smell I first smelled on a crisp morning in August, getting off the bus at Laphroaig. It’s absolutely uncanny. I know that I will return to Islay, hopefully sooner rather than later, because every couple of months, out of the blue, I get this deep sense of longing for that place I have only ever spent six days on. Magic, definitely.
Do it. And thank you.
One of the best ‘self made’ ‘amateur’ videos I’ve seen in a long time. Makes me desperate to get back to Scotland and do the same tour. Love a Peaty one. Alan from New Zealand.
The Whisk(e)y vault brought me here, great video. I hope to visit islay myself one day! Just subscribed
Bonjour and thank you for the tour, Islay is added to my bucket list for sure.
Incredible video, Roy! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, and for watching and commenting!
Thanks for posting, I love Islay! My great great gran was born there, and I even stayed at her childhood home a couple of years ago , which now has self catering accommodation (Upper Cragabus). I loved Kildalton Cross, and finding graves of my ancestors!!
Great video, really captures the spirit of Islay.
Great video. Deep and meaningful. I will go.
Amazing video. Watched after referral from the whiskey vault boys during their " vacation" week. Did anyone else see the fish jump at 23:32 in the interview? Cool lucky touch!!!
Just returned from Islay after a long weekend away, 1st time there and aiming to go back. This video reflects the exact feelings we felt while there, obviously massively quieter due to the pandemic running off to what you can see on this video, however the friendliness and helpfulness of the entire island, from locals and visitors alike, replicated completely.
So glad you experienced it! 🥰
Love this! Great job on the video and thank you for sharing! I can't wait to have the opportunity to visit Islay.
Thank you Roy!
I thoroughly enjoy this video. I absolutely love Islay,. Islay feels like home to me too!
Slàinte,
Chris
Ci Bi thanks Chris and apologies for the tardy response 😬
@@Aqvavitae No worries! I greatly appreciate your reply. I'll be heading back to Islay next year, 2019! Slàinte!
Great video, thanks for bringing it to us.
I think there is something about small, remote islands that filters out those who don't love being there. Also being on a small island, everyone has to depend more on each other and that influences the culture. Tourism is important to them and Islay and the whiskey is what makes them unique.
I know that you can taste the salt and the peat and the craft and skill of the distillers and blenders of the whiskey. Like the rest I am partial to Islay whiskey. I hope to visit someday. Life is a journey not a guided tour and always show respect to your hosts and savor every dram.
My wife and I went to Islay in April, 2018 from the States. There is so much I could write, but it would just be adding and confirming to what you have said here! What an excellent video!
We were planning our trip to Scotland, especially to Islay, before the pandemic. Two years and a Brexit later I had a wonderful time on this island with my friends, saw the distilleries I appreciate in real life and bought some bottles. Now I am sitting in front of the laptop and watching this episode. Now I have something, what we call "Fernweh" in Germany. Hopefully I am able to return to this wonderful island, experiencing the magic of Islay another time. Thank you for this great video!
Superb attention to detail. Beautiful tour of the magic of Islay. Well done... Wow!
Thank you for watching and commenting Aimee, it was most definitely made with your help, and so many others like you!
Great video. You really captured the calmness that everyone there seem to have. I enjoyed that you spent so much time giving us a tour of people's experience, and not so much the distilleries.
Thank you Jeremy, it's what I wanted to do. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!
Great video! I will definitely go to Islay with a friend sometime in the near future. Even this video transported such an amazing feeling. Good job!
Thank you, great to get the feedback that it conveyed the sense of place I'd hoped for!
Great video Roy. Made me even more envious. And it looked like Spring in Australia! All the more keen to go over and spend time on Islay.
No time like the present! Thanks for watching Andrew!
Hi Aqvavitae, Rex sent me. That was a magnificent video! Very well done, and now I have to experience the magic of islay. I'm also going to binge watch the rest of your videos. Cheers!
Fantastic video, thank you for sharing your experience. Makes me want to visit Islay so much!
Great production, beautifully done & thoughtful. Although you don’t expect it, i the wonderful island of islay and its distilleries owe u a big thank you. Cheers Sir.
Very nice words Dumindu, thank you 🙏
Such a fantastic place to visit. Spent 5 days on Islay in 2013. Absolute magic experience. Friendly people and great distilleries. One of the best experiences of my life for sure.
So glad I found this channel. Brilliant stuff. Thank you!
No, thank you! Hope you'll hang around 🙏
Wow so jealous! That was some amazing editing, Roy. I know how long that took. Perfect audio timing, film director vision....spot on mate!
Thanks Drew, so nice of you to drop by and comment, and so glad you enjoyed it. One day, should fates allow, we'll share a dram on the Magical Isle.
A fantastic film which sums up a lot about Islay. Well done to everyone who made it possible. Slainte
Thanks Alan, glad you enjoyed it.
Great vid, thanks! I visited Islay three years ago, from Florida... it is indeed a magical place. Your video captures this very effectively. I need to go back!
I've heard of no one who has visited not having the desire to return. Thank you T1GM!
Wow, that's next level Roy. Loved the fish jump at 23:19 :-)
That's one cool fish. A tall leap and a 360, pretty impressive stuff. Thanks Chris.
@@Aqvavitae I doubt it was just drinking sea water ;-)
Great video Roy. I really want to visit!
An Excellent and Inspiring Video!
I always enjoy the culture shock when come back from magic places like these.
I get that Eric, although I prefer the culture shock on arrival ;)
Very well produced and edited equally as well, like most people I’m watching to learn and get a feel for what lays behind my glass, there are very few places that attain that sense of common interest and well being, Islay is on my list.
Seeing this made me miss Islay so much...glad to see you met up with Tom at Laphroig...he was super and came in to Islay Hotel and had a few pours with us...such a magical place
I miss it too alan, believe me! Thanks for watching!
Great video ! At 23 : 18 , even that fish had too much whisky ! : )
Very nice video. I plan on visiting after I retire sometime next year. My first introduction to Islay Scotch was Laphroaig Lore at one of my favorite restaurants in Atlantic City. It was like getting hit in the head with a brick. I was so used to the Speysides and Highlands that it was at first overpowering. Once that I got used to it, though, I just became a lover of all Islay Scotch. I have six in my collection now and I plan on adding more. I can't wait until I can come over and tour the island and visit all of the distilleries. L'Chaim.
And now I really want to visit Scotland and especially, first of all - Islay
Greetings from Russia. It looks like Islay people are very similar with us.
I’m very pleased to find your channel; this video in particular was outstanding ! Thanks for your creative content.
I'm glad you found me, hope you'll stay a while! Cheers!
Absolutely fantastic Roy, I will be visiting Scotland and Islay with my wife in the next couple of years, can't wait, such a beautiful place.
I really hope you do! Thanks my friend.
Islay truly is magical, I remember how at home I felt. Westering home indeed.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, I'm glad you felt the same way. It's very homely.
The choice of music is highly irritating , but the commentary on Islay and the distilleries is very profound, interesting and intriguing. Seems almost a metaphysical experience being out on the peat bogs of Islay.
Great video, now I want to go to Islay even more! Time to start holiday planning I think..
Magical! That is something I want to experience in person. Thank you for putting this amazing short together.
Thank you Jason! It was a pleasure, especially referring to it as a "short" - I was nervous about duration on this one.
I have been to Islay twice now ONLY IN DECEMBER ! Yes it’s harsh ,, windy,, cold. But it’s just as brilliant. All distilleries are in full production. Your tours are extremely small and very personal, actually most of the time it’s one on one ! There is time to REALLY get time to connect with everyone. At Bruchladdich we had a tasting with the original owners great granddaughter,so informal and heartfelt ,bringing out “special” 30+ year old drams from her office desk 👍 I cannot wait to go back
hey, been there 3 times, I had exactly the same experience as you! nature comes together with vibe and the drinks!!! absolute gem of Scotland
Brilliant video! Great work with editing and sound as well. I’ve been to Islay 3 times and completely agree - its magical. And it’s the people that make the island so welcoming, makes you return year after year and the Whisky, as you said, acts as the catalyst. Well done!
Thank you Shiv, spot on, I'm already planning another trip ;)
Very well done! Such a beautiful place, filled with even better people. It’s on my list to visit when the kids are a little older.
I hope you make it sooner rather than later, and I hope you share your experience! Cheers JK!
It’s remarkable how often the simplest truths are the most powerful: “....whisky teaches you very quickly you have to treat it with respect.” That one’s good enough to be Newton’s Fourth Law. Another exceptional piece, sir - please continue the great work, and ‘Slainte.’
Thank you Poon, yes I've been a sufferer at the foot of the whisky teacher. I've hopefully learned my lessons! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Best video yet Roy! Truly enjoyed it. A trip to Islay is now on my Bucket List.
Awesome George, it's great to hear how many people this has inspired to take action to go there - I just hope they don't assume that awesome display of weather. It's usually much more fickle than that!
Wow! What an absolute joy to watch, Roy. Really well done, like a mini documentary! I look forward to the day I get to visit Islay myself or any of Scotland for that matter. Slainte friend.
I look forward to that day too, it's worth the effort. Really. Thanks for watching.
I have watched this again - it is such a great video - really well done and so well thought out!
Glad you were a part of it!
What a dream trip this is for me! Probably will never happen, but I'm holding out hope. Sipping on a bottle of Lagavulin now that was gifted to me as a Christmas present.
Awesome video from you guys, I was there on the 16th of June and stayed in the cottages at Ardbeg. Cannot wait to go bag, the full place is like on big family. Everyone knows everyone and the locals are so friendly. The place truly is something out of a children's fairy-tale: beautiful views, wonderful people and amazing whisky.
Wonderful video, Roy. I really enjoyed your insights into the island and the people. My wife and I are doing our second cycling trip in Scotland this August and we’re on Islay for a few days.
Thank you Scott. I hope you have a great time all over Scotland, would be great to hear/see how you get along!
Aqvavitae Will do. We fell in love with your country last year when we rode from Aberdeen to Applecross. Bit more laid back pace this year with more time in Glasgow too.
Scott McMillan Applecross would be an amazing (downhill!) cycle!
Wow, you really made me feel like a part of the trip. The Islay distilleries should hire you to do their promos and outreach! Well done! Thanks!
Thank you Everwind - but I don't work for distilleries - I work for you. ;)
Much appreciated, just wanted to convey you did such a good job you had me wanting me to book a ticket immediately. The quality of your presentation would do any Scottish/Islay tourism board proud! Thanks for doing this!
Islay is magical, been there (from South Africa, it's a long trip) 4 times since 2012 now. Never during the festival and once just before christmas, can't imagine it with the crowds I see in this video. Thanks for this, been missing my trips.
We’re all missing then my friend... hopefully soon! Thanks for watching
Found you by the way of the scotch test dummies, very well done video! Fantastic glimpse into the Islay experience. Definitely on my list of places to visit. Thank you for sharing.
Excellent video. Definitely inspired to go for a visit now.
I hope you make it Pat - it's worth the effort! Cheers!
Damn I need to get over to Islay! Thanks for letting us follow along on your journey. Great video Roy!
Thank you Travis - you most certainly do!
My Partner, my big labmarador and I are all heading to Islay for my 3rd ever visit in July - a few months ahead of my own 50th birthday. Your video has me both excited and inspired - I shall try to put my OWN finger on that elusive malty magic. Thank you!
Great video! Here from the Whisk(e)y Vault and Rex's referral. I am a Canadian with Scottish ancestry and am planning a long trip to Scotland with my wife to take in its history and culture. Islay will certainly be a destination where we will be spending quite some time. Ardbeg is my scotch of choice!
Wonderful! Thank you for making this video. We'll be visiting lslay very soon. This is very helpful.
I really hope you love it - it's a magical spot. Thank you Waltz!
Absolutely gorgeous video which I think is destined to become a RUclips classic for anyone searching “Islay”. The interviews were brilliant and amazing editing!
What incredibly lovely weather. It looked like the Mediterranean. It transported me back to the Island and my stress levels have indeed dropped signifantly whilst and since watching. Thank you so much Roy.
I absolutely agree with most things which were said but feel that this is only a part of the reason for the magic of Islay.
Anyone who has drunk Islay whisky on Islay will instantly recognise that oneness between the whisky and the island. For me, Islay whisky never tasted the same after my first visit. The whisky brings with it all the memories of the aromas and atmosphere of the island which is recognisable within the whisky. That’s terroir!
It’s a similar experience drinking wine from Gvaot winery in the Shomron near Shilo
or drinking Adir wine in the vineyards of Kerem Ben Zimra in the Upper Galil. Once
you have identified that flavour and smell in the alcohol from the region, you
recognise it when drinking the whisky or wine wherever you are.
I don’t think I’ll ever come to Islay during the Feis Ile festival. I prefer going when it’s quieter and people have more time for a chat. The last couple of times we have were on Islay was in October and November which is considered outside tourist season. Both times we were very lucky with the weather and accommodation was easy to find with the best prices. Oh, and no midgies!
I think the character of Islay has a lot to do with the fact that it’s such a small island, some distance from the mainland. It is not cheap to get there either. With so many distilleries per square mile, you are never more than a few hundred meters from whisky, the peat, the distillery smells and the coastland. This obviously affects the character of the island.
Criminal activity is virtually zero because of the two factors, those being: Almost everyone knowing everyone else along with the fact that it is so difficult getting on and off the island without someone knowing about it, crime is virtually zero. This increases the trust level which contributes to a low stress level.
This atmosphere rubs off on visitors to the island. (Take my petrol story for instance where the post office shop in Port Charlotte took it on trust how many litres I had put in the car) as well as people leaving their doors open and cars unlocked.
It is not all paradise there.
There is one supermarket on the island in Bowmore. With no competition,
prices are high. The island needs another supermarket, perhaps a Tesco.
Now some comments from a unique Jewish perspective. As an outwardly Orthodox Jew, I have experienced mild anti-Semitism in the Southern Highlands but in total contrast, almost royal status in the Northern Highlands by Gaelic speaking Chrstians who apparently worship King David and his descendants like a separate deity. On Islay however, almost no Illeach ever commented about us being Orthodox Jews with two exceptions. A manager at Ardbeg asked me why some whiskies were kosher and some not. Then, in a surreal moment, a young woman came up to my wife and I in the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte and asked how she could go about converting to Judaism. We were almost speechless but stayed listening to her fascinating story for over an hour.
I did however have an unpleasant experience with an American tourist and fundamentalist Chrstian who insisted on telling me in great detail his peace plan for the Middle East by converting all the Jews in Israel. The problem was that we kept bumping into the guy at each distillery tour as we went round the island.
Having said that, many Israelis ask me how I manage to eat on Islay with no kosher food! In fact, if you bring your own kosher milk and cheese and soup, we have no problem eating well. You can purchase kosher species of fish such as salmon and haddock, with fruit, nuts and vegetables from the supermarket. (The main problem is of course that there is no minyan! I would love at some point, to organise a large group with a quorum of ten men).
A few Illeachs complained about house prices and chronic shortage of homes due to everyone renting out to tourists although according to online data, the situation has improved over the last year.
The educational level is considerably lower than on the mainland. There is a chronic shortage of High school teachers with overcrowded classrooms. (Any Islay whisky loving teachers out there?). Parents with High school kids would want to think carefully before moving to Islay.
On the other hand, Islay has one of the lowest unemployment figures in Scotland.
Lastly, there is a danger that with the increasing whisky tourist industry and more and more distilleries opening up on this tiny island, that the island will turn into a Whisky Disney Land. Although the Illeachs are friendly, with increasing tourists visiting the island, this will inevitably change its character for the worse.
Thanks for all your great contributions as usual Reb, you know the place and you understand what it's all about. Cheers!
There's a tennis court that m mother and I played tennis on when our family were on holiday there when I was 13. The smell of the mash from Laphroaig was redolent and I still remember it. Just did the Bowmore tour back then (I'm 60 now), but I plan to revisit and do a distillery tour. I loved the island.
A wonderful video to watch. Thanks. I visited Islay in 2012 after discovering that my great grandfather had died in a shipwreck there in 1911. As far as I am aware I am the only person in the family to visit the shipwreck site at Kilchiarain Bay. You're right about the magic of the place and the people. I had made my intentions aware a few months prior to visiting that I wanted to put some flowers in the sea at the wreck site. The local farmer went out of his way to assist myself and my wife to get to that remote location and others I met were so helpful. I felt as if I was meeting friends rather than strangers. I must go back one day. I only managed to visit Bruichladdich distillery but that was also a fantastic experience.
What an amazing story, wow. I know there are a few historical wrecks around the island. Thank you for sharing this and I really hope you do get back one day
Always enjoy your videos. Planning to visit Islay next summer. Have you considered making a video of the different distillery tours on Islay highlighting the differences and uniquenesses? We won’t have enough time to tour all of them, although the plan is to visit all of them for a dram. Would appreciate any suggestions on the tours.
Thx
Thank you for the nice words Scott... I hope you get there. Do less tours, but better tours. Warehouse tastings and experiences always good.
Having just come back home after a short trip to Islay this video took me straight back.
I'm standing in the car park at Laphoraig just nosing the Smokey Peaty air.
Tom the bar man at Laphoraig was excellent with his personality and his knowledge of the the whisky.
We will be back next year!
So glad you enjoyed Barry - thanks for the cool comment!
Well thought out video. Cheers Roy.
Thanks so much everyone for a fantastic video (and that fish!). I wasn’t too sure about visiting Islay as I am not a whisky drinker, now I can’t wait!
No need for whisky, the magic works anyway, Jodie!
man and here I thought that I already wanted to visit Islay...time to start looking into next years Fèis Ìle for real now! You captured something very special here Roy. Great job!
Thank you Vito, great to get the feedback that you enjoyed! I hope you make it there soon!
So have you booked your accomodation yet, Vito?
@ 23:19 as you were have a nice conversation then suddenly in the background a fish jumped straight up into the air to possibly catch a bug. What a cool natural place. I never realised it was still a place captured in a distant time and place so to speak. Thank you Roy for produceing this very unnique video capyureing the spirit of the whisky,peoples and places its created. Very unnique video presentation. Slainte'
Amazing video roy, congratulations, grettings from mexico.
This is incredible Roy. I'm very excited to be visiting Islay next year! I absolutely love that the focus of this video was not just on whisky but the essence of Scotland, Islay, whisky, the people and how it all works together.
You're gonna love it Paul!
Great video documentary, another Bucket list place for sure
Thank you for taking the time to comment! Glad you liked it.
Inspirational video. Excellent work my friend.
Thank you Shawn, glad you liked it!
I was the big, bald eejit getting in the way during the Lagavulin warehouse tour. My daughter managed to draw enough 25yr old for us all to have a second dram. Fantastic video. Absolutely nails what it is like to be there, on the unique island.
Seriously - is that you in the video? Awesome! I wish we'd met in the warehouse 😃 Curious how you found the channel too!
Aqvavitae just pining for the island! We were on the ferry over with whisky_guy too. His dogs were a riot
This vlog gave me goosebumps loved it. Really have a yearning to visit islay
whiskey tribe member her! 👋 amazing tour of Islay! love it! thanks and good work!
Great video Roy. Thanks for putting it together for our enjoyment. You got a lucky break with the weather my son. I absolutely believe in terroir and Islay has it. Some will say that's ridiculous and that it's a scientific process but my sensory experience tells me otherwise. You know I love sherry and I have been to the sherry triangle of Jerez, Sanlucar and Santa Maria. Those places, like Islay and whisky, make sherry real for me. It's a hot and vital Andalucian drink, not something for your granny at Christmas. The heat and salty Atlantic air permeates the barrels of Sanlucar and you can taste it in the the famous salty manzanilla produced there. It is so natural that no fortification is needed because the natural yeast in the air does the trick. I mention this because all experienced lovers of serious drinks know that all the science in the world does not explain the alchemy of high end alcoholic drinks. There is a magic involved which brings me back to Islay. My first independent foray into whisky was Islay and it will always be special for me. It's unfair to other regions but Islay is the quintessence for me. There's something about peat that I equate to primeval history and to the land that produces it, Scotland, but particularly that special island.
Holy shit Welsh, these are some great words to read. Spot on. One day we'll sit over a nice sherry and I'll listen to your evangelism about that other special drink. Thank you my friend.
It was a bit of a lengthy waffle but your video was pleasantly thought provoking. Glad you had a great time.
Great video as brings back memories from 60+ years ago. I was a catering boy 👦 on the MacBraynes MV Loch Ard sailing from Glasgow to Islay collecting barrels of whisky 🥃 to take to the bottlers In Glasgow.
The black and white days 😉 There’s an amazing video on RUclips called Whisky Island, I really hope you’ve caught it. Captivating and nostalgic.
Roy, this is a wonderful video of your recent trip to Islay. You certainly captured the essence of that special island. I saw a lot of familiar places and faces. I felt like I was standing there again in some of those same places and breathing in the Islay air. I can also relate to your excitement on landing in Islay and the sadness on departing since I had the same feelings on both of my trips there. Sláinte !
I knew you would understand deeply what I was trying to convey Duane. Thanks for watching and commenting!