Islay, one of Scotland's southernmost islands, is often referred to as "The Queen of the Hebrides." Its peaty soils and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean heavily influences the character of its whiskies. The island is home to nine single malt whisky distilleries, best known for producing whiskies with bold, smoky flavours, often accompanied by notes of sea salt, medicinal herbs, and rich malt. Some Islay whiskies are also unpeated, however.