"Islay, Scotland: Renowned for its smoky whiskies, Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland is a small place with an outsize influence on the world of whisky. It’s well worth a visit to its nine whisky distilleries, including Bowmore, one of the nation’s oldest distilleries dating back to 1779. Learn about the whisky-making process and treat yourself to a variety of tastings of the island’s famously powerful, peaty “big smokes” at Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg distilleries."