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18 Whisky Distilleries to Visit in Argyll & the Isles

Reviewed: August 2026

With incredible scenery, fascinating attractions and fabulous places to stay, eat and drink, Argyll & the Isles has all the ingredients for the perfect holiday. It’s also a whisky-lover’s heaven, with 18 working distilleries across the region, earning it the nickname "Scotland's Whisky Coast". So, whether you’re touring Argyll in a whistle-stop or a more leisurely fashion, make sure you discover the region’s whiskies en route.

Many of the distilleries are based on islands, so you’ve got the perfect excuse to go island hopping – an essential part of any Argyll touring experience! Nothing beats sampling the product at the historic distilleries themselves, and most offer guided tours, giving visitors the chance to learn about the production process and sample the whisky.

From the peaty malts of Islay to Kintyre’s historic Campbeltown malts, here’s where to taste your way round the region.

Islay & Jura

Islay is world-famous for its peated malts, but it also produces notable unpeated styles. This beautiful Hebridean island is home to eleven working distilleries, plus one more just across the water on Jura - many of them in stunning locations.

Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin are clustered together on the rugged southern shore of Islay and are renowned for their peaty whiskies. A great way to visit all three of these distilleries is to follow the Three Distilleries Pathway, which runs for 5.5km.

Islay Sea Adventures also offer private whisky tours by water as part of their bespoke charters. Or, for something longer, Whisky and Waves run a dedicated ‘Sip and Sail’ trip to Jura and Islay, departing from Craobh Haven (around 20 miles south of Oban) - pickup from Oban can be arranged. It’s a proper way to combine sailing with distillery hopping, but be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Please note, Port Ellen’s ferry terminal is currently closed for redevelopment, with reopening expected in 2029, so ferry services are operating via Port Askaig. This may affect your travel plans - make sure to check CalMac’s latest route information before you go.

1. Ardbeg Distillery

Ardbeg claims to produce the peatiest whisky on Islay. Try a dram or two in the excellent visitor centre and grab some food in Ardbeg’s Old Kiln Café (winter offering) or the Ardstream Trailer (summer offering).

2. Lagavulin Distillery

Lagavulin sits in the beautiful bay of Lagavulin near the ruins of Dunyveg Castle. Find out more about the distillery’s history and processes and sample a few drams by taking a tour.

3. Laphroaig Distillery

Laphroaig has a fascinating history. For over 200 years, a small team of dedicated islanders have worked here to create what is considered by some to be the most distinctive single malt in the world. The visitor centre includes a museum, a lounge bar, and a shop.

4. Bowmore Distillery

Bowmore is one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries. It’s a great place to see traditional whisky-making from the malting of the barley to the peat-fired kilns.

5. Kilchoman Distillery

Kilchoman opened in 2005 and was Islay’s first new distillery in over 120 years. There’s a visitor centre and shop, as well as a lovely café. The distillery is near the beautiful sandy Machir Bay, which is well worth a detour.

6. Bruichladdich Distillery

Bruichladdich sits on the shore of Loch Indaal. The distillery was brought back from semi-dereliction in 2001. Whisky here is made the old-fashioned way, using the artisanal skills of people and much of the old machinery that had been installed when the distillery was built back in 1881.

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7. Caol Ila Distillery

Caol Ila, Gaelic for ‘Sound of Islay’, sits on the east coast of Islay, looking out across the fast-flowing waters to Jura. A visit to this distillery allows you to see large-scale whisky production.

8. Bunnahabhain Distillery

Further north is Bunnahabhain. It’s a glorious location, and the drive from Port Askaig to Bunnahabhain along the winding road is simply stunning, with wonderful views of Jura and the Sound of Islay.

9. Ardnahoe Distillery

Islay's ninth working distillery when it opened, Ardnahoe began distilling in October 2018 and opened to visitors in April 2019. It distils a classic peated style of Islay malt, using barley and water from Loch Ardnahoe. The distillery is situated on Islay’s northeast coast, equidistant between Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila distilleries.

10. Port Ellen Distillery

Port Ellen Distillery reopened in March 2024 after standing silent for 40 years. The rebuilt distillery offers pre-booked visitor experiences only - no walk-ins - including a guided production tour and warehouse tasting, plus a free monthly Open Day. Book well ahead, as places are limited.

11. Laggan Bay Distillery

Laggan Bay Distillery, Islay's newest, filled its first cask in April 2026. Built by Ian Macleod Distillers (owners of Glengoyne, Rosebank and Tamdhu) near Islay Airport at Glenegedale, it's set to produce a heavily peated Islay style. As a brand-new distillery, check directly for current visitor and tour arrangements before planning a visit - a public tour programme may not yet be in place.

12. Isle of Jura Distillery

Catch a ferry from Port Askaig to Feolin on Jura to visit the Isle of Jura Distillery. The crossing takes just 10 minutes, and you’ll be treated to great views of the Paps of Jura! This distillery first opened in 1810 but was revitalised in the 1960s. Today, the distillery produces a wide range of unique malts, and you can enjoy a tour and tasting session.

Places to Stay on Islay

There’s a good supply and variety of accommodation on Islay all year round, including bed and breakfasts, hotels and self-catering options. Some of our top recommendations would be:

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Oban & Mull

13. Oban Distillery

Oban Distillery sits in the heart of Oban overlooking the bay. Guided distillery tours run regularly throughout the year, and there’s a well-stocked tasting bar and gift shop. Oban is known as ‘Scotland’s Seafood Capital’, so make sure you check out some of the seafood restaurants when you’re in town.

14. Tobermory Distillery

Catch the ferry from Oban to Craignure on Mull, then it's a scenic drive or bus ride north to Tobermory to visit Tobermory Distillery. Established in 1798, it’s one of Scotland’s oldest commercial distilleries and is packed with old-world charm. The distillery produces two distinctly different malt whiskies: the unpeated Tobermory and the heavily peated Ledaig. Tobermory is a lovely fishing port, with brightly painted houses clustered around a sheltered bay. There are a number of cosy bars and hotels where you can sample a dram or two by the fire.

Places to Stay in or Around Oban

Oban is a bustling town with a variety of accommodation. Here are some of our top recommendations for places to stay in and around Oban:

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Tiree

15. Isle of Tiree Distillery

Isle of Tiree Distillery released the island’s first single malt in over 200 years in January 2025 - an 800-bottle run that sold out almost instantly. One of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, it’s run by Tiree Whisky Company, founded by trad musicians Alain Campbell and Ian Smith. Tours are available to learn about Tiree’s fascinating distilling heritage and gain insight into its Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch Whisky production - book via their website.

Tiree is a small island with limited accommodation - check availability well ahead if you’re planning to stay over.

Kintyre

16. Springbank Distillery

Campbeltown, Kintyre’s major town, once had 34 distilleries, but today just three remain, preserving Campbeltown's status as one of Scotland's five Scotch whisky regions. A guided tour of Springbank Distillery is an absorbing experience.

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17. Glen Scotia Distillery

Glen Scotia is one of Scotland's smallest whisky distilleries. The distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. Join a tasting tour at Glen Scotia Distillery to try some of their award-winning whisky.

18. Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery

Campbeltown’s "oldest new distillery", Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery, is home to Kilkerran single malt. The distillery originally opened in 1872, closed in 1925, and was restored and reopened in 2004 by the owners of the historic Springbank Distillery. Tours can be arranged as part of a visit to Springbank.

Places to Stay in Kintyre

Kintyre offers fantastic accommodation year-round, including bed and breakfasts, hotels and self-catering options. Some of our top recommendations would be:

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Find out more about Argyll’s Whisky Coast or take a look at other locally produced craft spirits.

Important Information

Booking and opening times
Distillery tours are frequently limited in number, seasonal or affected by production shutdowns - some smaller or newer distilleries don’t yet run a settled public tour programme at all. Always check the distillery’s website for current opening times and book ahead, especially in peak season when popular tours can sell out weeks in advance.

A note for families
Minimum ages vary between distilleries, with some experiences restricted to visitors aged 8+, 12+ or 18+. Always check the specific distillery’s policy before you book if you’re travelling with children.

Drink responsibly
If you are driving, plan ahead. Some distilleries offer takeaway driver’s drams or alcohol-free options. You can also use local buses, taxis, or booked transfers. See the Scotch Whisky Association’s guidance on responsible drinking for more info.

FAQs

How many whisky distilleries are there in Argyll and the Isles?
Argyll & the Isles is home to 18 working whisky distilleries and is known as "Scotland’s Whisky Coast.” Islay alone accounts for the majority, with distilleries producing everything from unpeated and lightly peated styles to intensely smoky single malts, alongside distilleries on Jura, Mull and Tiree, and in Oban and Campbeltown.

Which Islay distilleries are closest together for a walking tour?
Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig sit clustered on Islay’s rugged southern shore and can be linked on foot via the Three Distilleries Pathway, a 5.5km route between them. It’s the easiest way to visit all three in a single day without needing a car between stops.

Is there a whisky distillery in Oban?
Yes - Oban Distillery sits right in the centre of town and offers guided tours running regularly year-round. It’s one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries and sits within walking distance of Oban’s harbour and seafood restaurants, making it easy to combine with a day exploring the town.