From Islay to Orkney: Island single malt whiskies impress at the IWSC

Across Scotland’s whisky-producing islands, from the windswept shores of Islay to the rugged terrain of Orkney and the emerging spirit of Raasay, distillers are drawing on their environments and stylistic flair to craft compelling single malts. The 2025 IWSC results reflect a category full of character and curiosity, with producers embracing both tradition and innovation to draw in a growing number of intrigued consumers.

Islay: balancing boldness with finesse

Islay delivered a powerful performance this year, with Ardbeg claiming eight of the competition’s highest-scoring whiskies. They secured some of the highest scoring gold medals for their 25 Year Old expression, Eureka! and their 21 Year Old Seann Chreag Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This was not the end of their medal haul, the distillery also took home golds for Uigeadail, Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old and the 25 Year Old, reinforcing the brand’s range and reliability. Laphroaig was equally succesful with its 10 and 18 Year Old bottlings both picking up Gold and showcasing the lasting appeal of Islay’s age-stated icons.

Meanwhile, the island’s newer entrants are making their presence felt. Ardnahoe, one of Islay’s youngest distilleries, earned a Gold for its Infinite Loch small-batch release and a Silver for its inaugural 5 Year Old, a strong debut that points to a promising future. Independent bottlings also shone, with expressions from Port Askaig and Mac-Talla capturing the judges’ interest, particularly the cask strength editions. Notably, Ian Macleod’s Smokehead Terminado, finished in ex-Tequila casks, picked up a Gold, a clear sign that experimental finishes are being met with enthusiasm when handled with care.

As noted by judge and buyer Tom Brady, "there's something very special happening in Islay right now.  Especially at the slightly younger end of the age spectrum".

The islands: innovation and identity

Beyond Islay, the rest of Scotland’s islands showcased an impressive breadth of style. On Skye, Talisker’s 10 Year Old once again proved its enduring appeal with a Gold medal, while newcomer Torabhaig secured a Silver for its Allt Gleann expression, a peated malt that blends youth with approachability. Orkney, meanwhile, was represented by both of its distilleries, with Scapa earning a Gold for its 21 Year Old release, and independent bottler LIMITED Whisky picking up a Gold for a 33 Year Old Highland Park bottling, highlighting the rewards of patient maturation and the strength of Orkney’s spirit in the hands of careful selectors.

On Mull, Tobermory and its peated counterpart Ledaig were recognised for both classic and more adventurous styles. Ledaig’s 18 Year Old picked up a Gold, while a Rioja cask-finished release from its Sinclair Series won Silver, standing out as a bold twist on a traditionally smoky style. Arran’s 10 Year Old won Gold for its elegant, fruit-forward profile, a reminder that unpeated island whiskies can be just as compelling. Lagg, its peated sibling distillery, earned a Silver for its Kilmory Edition, signalling an exciting new chapter for the island.

Emerging producers like Isle of Raasay Distillery are also turning heads. Its inaugural releases, matured in a mix of rye, virgin oak and Bordeaux red wine casks, won Silver medals and marked the island out as one to watch for modern, layered styles that play with structure and flavour.

Judges’ insights and evolving trends

Across the board, judges noted a broadening of island styles. Peat remains a hallmark, but it is increasingly being used with precision rather than power, often balanced by sherry, wine or rum cask finishes that bring new dimensions. This year’s medal winners reflect a category confident in its roots but unafraid to explore, from the seaweed and iodine of classic Islay to the red fruit and soft smoke of Rioja-finished Mull malts.

The islands may be separated by geography, but this year's IWSC results show that they are united by a shared commitment to flavour, character and thoughtful experimentation.