Barry on… Islay’s distilleries.
There is a huge sense of camaraderie between all the distilleries on Islay. It’s competitive but incredibly supportive. If I need anything I can phone any of the others and they can do the same to me. It’s one big family really. Literally for me, as my brother works at Ardbeg. I definitely tend to overly talk up Laphroaig® when we’re together!
Barry on… the link between whisky and island life.
Whisky is the currency on Islay. We all grew up with it and it’s present at all the big moments…birthdays, weddings, births, funerals. It’s a thank you, a gift, a trade for meat or seafood. It’s woven into everyone’s lives here. I personally never leave the island without a couple of bottles in the car in case I need to gift one as a thank you. In fact, after I broke down recently on my way to Glasgow, I was pleased to be able to give one to the guy who towed me!