Caol Ila Distillery

It's a lighter, more delicate peated Islay malt than the intense smokiness of Laphroaig or Lagavulin, which makes it a good introduction to the island's whisky. Expect lemon, light smoke and sea air, with a clean, refreshing finish.

Caol Ila is on the north-east coast of Islay, just north of Port Askaig on the Sound of Islay. Perched above the narrow strait between Islay and Jura, it has one of the most dramatic settings of any Scottish distillery, with the Paps of Jura straight across the water.

It's open year-round for guided tours and tastings. Being less visited than the famous Kildalton distilleries on the south coast, it makes for a more intimate experience, though tours must be booked in advance. The ferry to Jura leaves from Port Askaig just below the distillery, so a Jura extension is easy to add.

It's one of the most important malts in Scotch blending. The vast majority of its production goes into Diageo's blends, Johnnie Walker in particular, where its lighter peat character makes it a versatile component. Only relatively recently has more of the single malt been bottled under its own name.