History of Islay - Premium Whisky Tasting

Few places in the whisky world inspire as much devotion as Islay.

This small island, home to just a handful of distilleries and a population of around 3,000 people, has shaped the identity of Scotch whisky for centuries. Windswept coastlines, peat-rich landscapes, and fiercely independent distillers have given rise to some of the most distinctive and revered single malts ever produced.

On Thursday 30th April, Hackstons Knightsbridge invites just 12 guests to join us for an evening dedicated to the island that redefined smoky whisky.

The night begins with a refreshing Ardbeg 10 Year Old highball, a bright and vibrant introduction to Islay’s unmistakable character. From there, we move into a guided tasting exploring the island’s remarkable diversity — from powerful peat smoke to refined and unexpected styles.

Your tasting flight will include:
• Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2013 – a whisky rooted in heritage barley and the concept of terroir
• Laphroaig 18 Year Old – a beautifully matured expression balancing peat, sweetness, and maritime character
• Ardnahoe Inaugural Release 5 Year Old – the first bottling from Islay’s newest distillery in nearly two decades
• Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2015 – a rare and much sought-after festival release
• Bowmore 21 Year Old Château Lagrange French Oak Barriques – an elegant marriage of Islay spirit and Bordeaux wine casks
• Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old (1989) – a rare highlight dram showcasing one of the island’s most refined and understated styles

Throughout the evening we’ll explore what makes Islay so unique: from the ancient peat bogs used to dry malted barley, to the island’s long history of illicit distillation.

You’ll also discover that Islay is far more diverse than its smoky reputation suggests. While some distilleries produce intensely peated spirits, others reveal a softer, more nuanced side of the island.

Relaxed, intimate, and deeply immersive, this tasting offers a rare chance to explore one of whisky’s most iconic regions through some of its most remarkable bottles.

Event on: Thursday, 30th April 2026, from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. It will be an exclusive, intimate gathering for 12 seated guests, hosted on our long banquet table in No.4 William Street.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hackstons Knightsbridge, Finest Whisky & Wine, 3-4 William Street, London, United Kingdom

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