Islay, the most famous isle in the whisky world, lies off the western coast of Scotland. Its rocky coastline and peat fields define its whiskies, as do its inhabitants, the majority of which support the scotch industry through employment at the 10 working Islay distilleries or within tourism and hospitality. Islay malts are traditionally heavier and peat forward. The flavors of the Islay distilleries are bold and distinctive.