The Magic of Islay
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- čas přidán 12. 06. 2018
- I've always felt that trips to Islay end up being much more than the whisky, and I knew I wasn't alone. I wanted my most recent trip for the annual Fèis Ìle to attempt to capture what it was, and connect with those who felt the same way. As we toured Lagavulin, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Kilchoman, Laphroaig and Ardbeg we met up with so many people there for the whisky yet seduced by the magic of the island and it's people. We weren't able to tour Caol Ila, Bowmore or Ardnahoe this visit, but we can't wait to go back. We had magical final moments sipping 1970's Port Ellen outside the old distillery itself and then on the Islay peat fields. Wonderful.
This video was possible due to the awesome Aqvavitae Evangelists, Disciples & Drambassadors who choose to sponsor the channel through Patreon. I hope the enjoyment this video brings in some way helps to say thanks for the continued and valued support. You can join them here: / aqvavitae
The filming was possible with help from my travel companion Bill. Also some folks we met along the way, such as Brian T, Mario C, Lindsay E & Max aka Whisky Bloke and his well-behaved and very cute companions Rex and Pugsy - find them here:
/ @whiskybloke
Also, special thanks to Brian of Burns Stewart, Leha of Kilchoman, Tom of Laphroaig, Lindy of Bruichladdich, Iain MacArthur of Lagavulin and Steve Haag at Islay House.
This has been my most ambitious solo project to date, and borne from the love I have of that little Island off the West coast of Scotland. I hope you'll indulge the video length.
For those curious about the fish - it's here: 23:18
Music by the awesome DJ Quads:
Spring Feelings:
/ spring-feelings
I like to:
/ i-like-to
My Desire:
/ my-desire-vlog-music
Viewing is intended for 18 years or older (or minimum age for alcohol consumption in your country of residence).
First off, thanks Roy and Bill - plus all the guests - for a brilliant video. I share the connection you feel with Islay and watching this made me quite emotional. To see how people feel about this beautiful island just makes makes me happy, and it is indeed a magical place. I’ve been across the last two years and am going back later this year for a few distillery visits, but more so for the island itself and the people. My wife’s not a big whisky fan, but loves the island and the pace of life... and we can’t wait to return. Thanks again for taking the time to document you and Bill’s trip, Roy. Loved every second. Cheers!
Wow Scott, thank you so much for the kind words - I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. Looking forward to our hook up!
Your comment echoes my exact feelings on watching this video. Thanks Roy and Bill for transporting me and a walk through trip to Islay .
Totally primed for a vist to Islay. Gotta make it in this lifetime .
Hello from the whisk(e)y vault
Welcome! Enjoy your stay my friend.
Whisk(e)y vault represent.
Beware the Cult of Ardbeg
- Legionnaire of Lagavulin.
One more WV stopping by. Enjoyed the video more than you could know. Thanks!!
I like how at the 23 min Mark a Fish jumps out of the water and spins around behind the dude being interviewed.. LOL ☺😊😀😁😂😃
I've made the pilgrimage to Islay 3 times since 2015, and I deeply understand the Magic of Islay. It was absolutely the whisky that brought me to the island, but it was the island that captured my heart and imagination, and calls me back. I've spent time wandering and hiking in the wilderness around the island, and there is a tranquil silence and calm that follows you everywhere. From the Mull of Oa to the shores of Bunnahabhain, it stays with you. Even when you're in the villages, time slows down. Your feet carry you forward a half a step slower, as if to allow the time to appreciate where you are. You may have noticed when you drive around the island, other drivers will wave to you as if you were their neighbor. And you're correct, everyone is so friendly, and that passes on to the rest of us while we stay there. While the weather is unpredictable, somehow Mother Nature knows to go easy on us during the Feis. Even when we were forecast for rain or deep cold in 2018, the weather found ways to surprise us. Islay is easily my favorite place on earth, and hope to continue the pilgrimage throughout my life. Also, I met Mario this past year (2018) at the end of Laphroaig Day. I landed late that day and missed the festivities, and he and his friend were the last stragglers.
That fish jump at 23:18. Amazing shot composition. You couldn’t have planned that.
He was a bit of a diva, but we got the shot in the end 😉
Islay truly is magical, I remember how at home I felt. Westering home indeed.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, I'm glad you felt the same way. It's very homely.
You are an artist my friend. What a fantastic video. Pieced together to perfection. Extremely well done. 🙏🏻
Whiskyinthe6 shirt rep'd hard too!
Yeah! I flew the 6 flag. :p
Toronto loves you for it.
Scotty Swing yes sir.
Aqvavitae very grateful for it!
Outstanding Roy! Well done!
Thank you fellas!
And now I really want to visit Scotland and especially, first of all - Islay
Greetings from Russia. It looks like Islay people are very similar with us.
Really great video Roy, I reckon the Islay tourist board owe you a debt of gratitude.
Such a fantastic place to visit. Spent 5 days on Islay in 2013. Absolute magic experience. Friendly people and great distilleries. One of the best experiences of my life for sure.
What a fantastic video - I couldn’t agree more! I’ve only ever been to Islay once, in 2014, when I was a broke 20 year old student. It’s like part of me never left. That one trip has been the foundation of a deep love and appreciation for the island, its spirit, and for Scotland in general. I don’t actually know what it is about Islay; I struggle to put my finger on it. It’s magic, as you said. It’s the kindness of the locals, the remoteness, isolation and stark beauty of the place. To this day, my favourite bottle of whisky would be Laphroaig Quarter Cask because when I open it and smell it, it’s that exact same smell I first smelled on a crisp morning in August, getting off the bus at Laphroaig. It’s absolutely uncanny. I know that I will return to Islay, hopefully sooner rather than later, because every couple of months, out of the blue, I get this deep sense of longing for that place I have only ever spent six days on. Magic, definitely.
Do it. And thank you.
Fantastic video Roy, Great way to highlight your trip and stunning shots of Islay, also FISH PHOTOBOMB at 23:18 #LegendaryTrout Lol
Yes! I seen that to!!
The fish will forget me when it's rich and famous :(
*check comments. yup, someone got there already!
I finally found time to watch, and was gonna comment on #LegendaryTrout - rather I will just reply to your comment...
Are you sure it´s a trout, Jason?
ok so I think I've watched this 15 times now and it is still an enticing, refreshing, compelling, exciting, amazing perspective on this place. I.WILL.GO.SOME.DAY. but for now I am putting this on auto-repeat.....I wish. Slainte Roy. Thanks for a "fantastic" glimpse of the Ileach and the people and the culture of that corner of Scotland.
I was there again last week for my 34th visit since 2009 and I am a Scot who lives in Scotland on the east coast of the mainland.Its all about the journey there,the people,the pace of life and of course the whisky.Its a very special place.And unique.
Thanks for such a great video,Islay deffo on our list to visit ...
I always enjoy the culture shock when come back from magic places like these.
I get that Eric, although I prefer the culture shock on arrival ;)
Incredible video, Roy! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, and for watching and commenting!
One of the best ‘self made’ ‘amateur’ videos I’ve seen in a long time. Makes me desperate to get back to Scotland and do the same tour. Love a Peaty one. Alan from New Zealand.
Moving to Islay in a week! cant wait to venture the land an meet new people!
Just returned from Islay after a long weekend away, 1st time there and aiming to go back. This video reflects the exact feelings we felt while there, obviously massively quieter due to the pandemic running off to what you can see on this video, however the friendliness and helpfulness of the entire island, from locals and visitors alike, replicated completely.
So glad you experienced it! 🥰
Great video, really captures the spirit of Islay.
can we talk about that fish at 23:18?
I've been saying that one day, when that fish is rich and famous, he won't even acknowledge I gave him his break. Damn he can jump though huh?
Photobomb!
So glad I'm not the only one who noticed and thought that was awesome
Spotted
Was gonna comment on the fish, but it looks like most everyone else beat me to it.
The Whisk(e)y vault brought me here, great video. I hope to visit islay myself one day! Just subscribed
Bonjour and thank you for the tour, Islay is added to my bucket list for sure.
Superb Roy! Thanks so much for bringing Islay to us and sharing your trip in such a unique way.
And thanks for continuing to watch and support George. As I type this a notification pops in that Aimee has just commented too. How cool! You guys are awesome!
Jealous! My friends father just passed away at 99 1/2 years old. He never saw a doctor or took any medicine. He smoked, drank whisky, beer and wine every day. He lived in a rural area in Portugal, and was free from stress. Stress is the problem with the world today. Thanks for sharing your trip!
Thanks Dan, bittersweet but fully agree. We perhaps don't fully realise our default stress level until it's thrown in to contrast by such a trip. It makes you value the peaceful moments. The scene of Bill an me at Laphroaig is totally unedited. It was so utterly quiet and tranquil, I couldn't bring myself to cut a slice of it out. So calming, I'd love for that to have come across in the video.
Love the slight haar on the Laphroaig sign when you were sitting beside it. It made it almost even more of a mystical place for us many Frog fans!
Very very true
Thanks for posting, I love Islay! My great great gran was born there, and I even stayed at her childhood home a couple of years ago , which now has self catering accommodation (Upper Cragabus). I loved Kildalton Cross, and finding graves of my ancestors!!
Fantastic, Roy, thanks fro sharing...
What a dream trip this is for me! Probably will never happen, but I'm holding out hope. Sipping on a bottle of Lagavulin now that was gifted to me as a Christmas present.
I'm surprised Neflix hasn't bought your channel. Ten out of ten for content, presentation and enjoyability.
Thanks for sharing :-)
My wife and I went to Islay in April, 2018 from the States. There is so much I could write, but it would just be adding and confirming to what you have said here! What an excellent video!
Cracking video Roy! It has only made me want to visit Islay even more.
Get it done! It's only a wee boat trip away! :p
Wow so jealous! That was some amazing editing, Roy. I know how long that took. Perfect audio timing, film director vision....spot on mate!
Thanks Drew, so nice of you to drop by and comment, and so glad you enjoyed it. One day, should fates allow, we'll share a dram on the Magical Isle.
Fantastic video, thank you for sharing your experience. Makes me want to visit Islay so much!
I have watched this again - it is such a great video - really well done and so well thought out!
Glad you were a part of it!
Hi Aqvavitae, Rex sent me. That was a magnificent video! Very well done, and now I have to experience the magic of islay. I'm also going to binge watch the rest of your videos. Cheers!
Thanks for giving me an in depth video of a place I want to experience. Great job love that you get the true essence of islay.
It’s remarkable how often the simplest truths are the most powerful: “....whisky teaches you very quickly you have to treat it with respect.” That one’s good enough to be Newton’s Fourth Law. Another exceptional piece, sir - please continue the great work, and ‘Slainte.’
Thank you Poon, yes I've been a sufferer at the foot of the whisky teacher. I've hopefully learned my lessons! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Very envious...loved the video ..its now on my bucket list
Seeing this made me miss Islay so much...glad to see you met up with Tom at Laphroig...he was super and came in to Islay Hotel and had a few pours with us...such a magical place
I miss it too alan, believe me! Thanks for watching!
Love this! Great job on the video and thank you for sharing! I can't wait to have the opportunity to visit Islay.
Well thought out video. Cheers Roy.
Amazing video. Watched after referral from the whiskey vault boys during their " vacation" week. Did anyone else see the fish jump at 23:32 in the interview? Cool lucky touch!!!
hey, been there 3 times, I had exactly the same experience as you! nature comes together with vibe and the drinks!!! absolute gem of Scotland
Superb attention to detail. Beautiful tour of the magic of Islay. Well done... Wow!
Thank you for watching and commenting Aimee, it was most definitely made with your help, and so many others like you!
Best video yet Roy! Truly enjoyed it. A trip to Islay is now on my Bucket List.
Awesome George, it's great to hear how many people this has inspired to take action to go there - I just hope they don't assume that awesome display of weather. It's usually much more fickle than that!
A fantastic film which sums up a lot about Islay. Well done to everyone who made it possible. Slainte
Thanks Alan, glad you enjoyed it.
Magical! That is something I want to experience in person. Thank you for putting this amazing short together.
Thank you Jason! It was a pleasure, especially referring to it as a "short" - I was nervous about duration on this one.
first visited 1969 magical island of dreams now in my 74th year i still see the misty islands and by the way i dont drink whisky
Islay is as magical with whisky as it is without!
@@macallanfinerare2552 the drive along the strand to Bowmore holds special magic for me we had a caravan parked near the airport in 1969 and the mist never rose until late afternoon quite spooky
@@robindow5742 Thank you for sharing your story here, I can imagine that, Robin.
Once I was there (also near the airport in a B&B called "Glenegedale House"), we experienced an amazing rainstorm. The malt in our glass made it lose its vigour, though.
whiskey tribe member her! 👋 amazing tour of Islay! love it! thanks and good work!
Great video ! At 23 : 18 , even that fish had too much whisky ! : )
This was delightful to watch...as enjoyable as the whiskey itself. Such good memories of visit years ago. Beautiful island and beautiful people.
I may be watching this on repeat over the next few weeks 😉 Great stuff and very well pieced together!
So glad I found this channel. Brilliant stuff. Thank you!
No, thank you! Hope you'll hang around 🙏
Great video!
Cheers from the Tribe
Well, this is a bucket list item now. Awesome video.
Stunning, meaningful, awesome.
Wow, that's next level Roy. Loved the fish jump at 23:19 :-)
That's one cool fish. A tall leap and a 360, pretty impressive stuff. Thanks Chris.
@@Aqvavitae I doubt it was just drinking sea water ;-)
Awesome video from you guys, I was there on the 16th of June and stayed in the cottages at Ardbeg. Cannot wait to go bag, the full place is like on big family. Everyone knows everyone and the locals are so friendly. The place truly is something out of a children's fairy-tale: beautiful views, wonderful people and amazing whisky.
Absolutely brilliant Roy
Islay is magical, been there (from South Africa, it's a long trip) 4 times since 2012 now. Never during the festival and once just before christmas, can't imagine it with the crowds I see in this video. Thanks for this, been missing my trips.
We’re all missing then my friend... hopefully soon! Thanks for watching
I have been to Islay twice now ONLY IN DECEMBER ! Yes it’s harsh ,, windy,, cold. But it’s just as brilliant. All distilleries are in full production. Your tours are extremely small and very personal, actually most of the time it’s one on one ! There is time to REALLY get time to connect with everyone. At Bruchladdich we had a tasting with the original owners great granddaughter,so informal and heartfelt ,bringing out “special” 30+ year old drams from her office desk 👍 I cannot wait to go back
My Partner, my big labmarador and I are all heading to Islay for my 3rd ever visit in July - a few months ahead of my own 50th birthday. Your video has me both excited and inspired - I shall try to put my OWN finger on that elusive malty magic. Thank you!
This is a life long wish to go to Islay.
Love it.
An Excellent and Inspiring Video!
Awesome! Thank you for sharing✔️👍🏼
Welcome Mosesumike, glad you liked it!
Great video Roy. Thanks for putting it together for our enjoyment. You got a lucky break with the weather my son. I absolutely believe in terroir and Islay has it. Some will say that's ridiculous and that it's a scientific process but my sensory experience tells me otherwise. You know I love sherry and I have been to the sherry triangle of Jerez, Sanlucar and Santa Maria. Those places, like Islay and whisky, make sherry real for me. It's a hot and vital Andalucian drink, not something for your granny at Christmas. The heat and salty Atlantic air permeates the barrels of Sanlucar and you can taste it in the the famous salty manzanilla produced there. It is so natural that no fortification is needed because the natural yeast in the air does the trick. I mention this because all experienced lovers of serious drinks know that all the science in the world does not explain the alchemy of high end alcoholic drinks. There is a magic involved which brings me back to Islay. My first independent foray into whisky was Islay and it will always be special for me. It's unfair to other regions but Islay is the quintessence for me. There's something about peat that I equate to primeval history and to the land that produces it, Scotland, but particularly that special island.
Holy shit Welsh, these are some great words to read. Spot on. One day we'll sit over a nice sherry and I'll listen to your evangelism about that other special drink. Thank you my friend.
It was a bit of a lengthy waffle but your video was pleasantly thought provoking. Glad you had a great time.
Very nice video. I plan on visiting after I retire sometime next year. My first introduction to Islay Scotch was Laphroaig Lore at one of my favorite restaurants in Atlantic City. It was like getting hit in the head with a brick. I was so used to the Speysides and Highlands that it was at first overpowering. Once that I got used to it, though, I just became a lover of all Islay Scotch. I have six in my collection now and I plan on adding more. I can't wait until I can come over and tour the island and visit all of the distilleries. L'Chaim.
Draam this was enjoyable video to watch, thank You very much.
This is incredible Roy. I'm very excited to be visiting Islay next year! I absolutely love that the focus of this video was not just on whisky but the essence of Scotland, Islay, whisky, the people and how it all works together.
You're gonna love it Paul!
Great vid, thanks! I visited Islay three years ago, from Florida... it is indeed a magical place. Your video captures this very effectively. I need to go back!
I've heard of no one who has visited not having the desire to return. Thank you T1GM!
Thank you Roy!
I thoroughly enjoy this video. I absolutely love Islay,. Islay feels like home to me too!
Slàinte,
Chris
Ci Bi thanks Chris and apologies for the tardy response 😬
@@Aqvavitae No worries! I greatly appreciate your reply. I'll be heading back to Islay next year, 2019! Slàinte!
FANTASTIC!!!
Thank you Jason. It was a pleasure to film and to make.
Thanks for posting great vid. Greetings from Vancouver Canada.
I’m very pleased to find your channel; this video in particular was outstanding ! Thanks for your creative content.
I'm glad you found me, hope you'll stay a while! Cheers!
Absolutely fantastic Roy, I will be visiting Scotland and Islay with my wife in the next couple of years, can't wait, such a beautiful place.
I really hope you do! Thanks my friend.
Wonderful job, Roy.
Thanks for watching and commenting Greg, glad you liked it.
Thanks so much everyone for a fantastic video (and that fish!). I wasn’t too sure about visiting Islay as I am not a whisky drinker, now I can’t wait!
No need for whisky, the magic works anyway, Jodie!
Great video, thanks for bringing it to us.
I think there is something about small, remote islands that filters out those who don't love being there. Also being on a small island, everyone has to depend more on each other and that influences the culture. Tourism is important to them and Islay and the whiskey is what makes them unique.
I know that you can taste the salt and the peat and the craft and skill of the distillers and blenders of the whiskey. Like the rest I am partial to Islay whiskey. I hope to visit someday. Life is a journey not a guided tour and always show respect to your hosts and savor every dram.
Having just come back home after a short trip to Islay this video took me straight back.
I'm standing in the car park at Laphoraig just nosing the Smokey Peaty air.
Tom the bar man at Laphoraig was excellent with his personality and his knowledge of the the whisky.
We will be back next year!
So glad you enjoyed Barry - thanks for the cool comment!
Truly magical.
I was the big, bald eejit getting in the way during the Lagavulin warehouse tour. My daughter managed to draw enough 25yr old for us all to have a second dram. Fantastic video. Absolutely nails what it is like to be there, on the unique island.
Seriously - is that you in the video? Awesome! I wish we'd met in the warehouse 😃 Curious how you found the channel too!
Aqvavitae just pining for the island! We were on the ferry over with whisky_guy too. His dogs were a riot
my, this does seem like an absolutely amazing trip ! thanks for this video !
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed - it really was amazing.
Great video. You really captured the calmness that everyone there seem to have. I enjoyed that you spent so much time giving us a tour of people's experience, and not so much the distilleries.
Thank you Jeremy, it's what I wanted to do. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!
Great production, beautifully done & thoughtful. Although you don’t expect it, i the wonderful island of islay and its distilleries owe u a big thank you. Cheers Sir.
Very nice words Dumindu, thank you 🙏
Excellent video. Definitely inspired to go for a visit now.
I hope you make it Pat - it's worth the effort! Cheers!
Awesome to see Roy, It will be even more awesome when we get to go to Scotland for the first time, hopefully that's not too far into the future.
Roy, this video is fantastic, in fact it’s delicious (you know what I mean 😊). Stirring up some precious memories. Thank you and cheers 👏🥃!!
Thanks Gustav - you're very welcome, this was a tasty pleasure ;)
Brilliant video! Great work with editing and sound as well. I’ve been to Islay 3 times and completely agree - its magical. And it’s the people that make the island so welcoming, makes you return year after year and the Whisky, as you said, acts as the catalyst. Well done!
Thank you Shiv, spot on, I'm already planning another trip ;)
Great video. Deep and meaningful. I will go.
Thé 16th of september we came back to the Netherlands after a 12 day trip to Scotland. We visited islay also. 4 days of tasting whisky and chatting with the whisky community. Splendid experience. Certainly not the last time. I’ll be back.
Some great interviews.
This vlog gave me goosebumps loved it. Really have a yearning to visit islay
Wonderful! Thank you for making this video. We'll be visiting lslay very soon. This is very helpful.
I really hope you love it - it's a magical spot. Thank you Waltz!
Great video, now I want to go to Islay even more! Time to start holiday planning I think..
What a great video and such good production as always! I miss Islay and this makes me feel closer, great work Roy. 👍
Thank you James! It was a pleasure to do and you'll understand fully why. :)
What a great vid - thanks!
Thanks Marcel, nice of you to watch and comment!
A wonderful video to watch. Thanks. I visited Islay in 2012 after discovering that my great grandfather had died in a shipwreck there in 1911. As far as I am aware I am the only person in the family to visit the shipwreck site at Kilchiarain Bay. You're right about the magic of the place and the people. I had made my intentions aware a few months prior to visiting that I wanted to put some flowers in the sea at the wreck site. The local farmer went out of his way to assist myself and my wife to get to that remote location and others I met were so helpful. I felt as if I was meeting friends rather than strangers. I must go back one day. I only managed to visit Bruichladdich distillery but that was also a fantastic experience.
What an amazing story, wow. I know there are a few historical wrecks around the island. Thank you for sharing this and I really hope you do get back one day
Great video Roy. Made me even more envious. And it looked like Spring in Australia! All the more keen to go over and spend time on Islay.
No time like the present! Thanks for watching Andrew!