Islay Whisky Distilleries
Islay is home to eleven distilleries producing some of the most sought-after and distinctive single malt whiskies in the world, although you can only visit 10. There’s nothing quite like sampling the product in the historic distilleries themselves.
1. Laphroaig
Some consider Laphroaig the most distinctive of all the single malts, with a history dating back about 200 years. Founded by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston in 1815, Laphroaig has developed one of Islay’s most recognisable whisky styles, shaped by peat smoke, maturation and its coastal location. As well as the intrinsic qualities found in all Islay whiskies, Laphroaig derives much of its character from the use of American bourbon casks and Spanish sherry butts.
2. Lagavulin
One of Scotland’s best-known whiskies, Lagavulin is produced at a distillery situated on the beautiful bay of Lagavulin near the ruins of Dunyveg Castle. When you take a tour of the distillery, you’ll see the distillers at work and the unusual pear-shaped stills used in the distilling process. A winning combination of peat-smoked malt, slow distillation and long maturation produces Lagavulin’s distinctive rich, peaty character.
One of Scotland’s best-known whiskies, the Lagavulin distillery is a must-visit whilst on Islay.
3. Bowmore
The historic Bowmore distillery takes its name from the town. Bowmore is a classic case of the old saying ‘distilleries make the spirit but wood makes the whisky’. A variety of casks are used in the maturation process, including those that formerly held Bordeaux red wine (claret), which gives rise to a full, rich flavour with notes of cherry, blackcurrant and cedar. Madeira wine casks, by contrast, impart fruitiness and spice. A visit to the No. 1 vaults at Bowmore is something akin to stepping into a treasure trove for the whisky connoisseur, but you don’t need any specialist knowledge to appreciate the history and atmosphere that permeates this special place.
Bowmore also offers a selection of cosy self-catering apartments on Islay. A great place to stay!
4. Ardbeg
Located on the rugged shoreline at the southern end of Islay, Ardbeg is a fantastic place to visit. It's an iconic whisky. Using malted barley sourced from the maltings at Port Ellen, Ardbeg claims to produce the peatiest whisky on Islay. You can taste a dram or two in the excellent visitor centre. Food is available Monday to Friday, seasonally from the Old Kiln Café or the Ardstream trailer. Check current opening information. See Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg, the three southern distilleries, by following the Three Distilleries Pathway. The path runs for 5.5km and is fully accessible.
5. Bruichladdich
The resurrection of Bruichladdich distillery on Islay is one of the whisky industry’s great stories. Brought back from semi-dereliction in 2001, it began making whisky the old-fashioned way, using the artisanal skills of local people and much of the old machinery installed when the distillery was built in 1881. This includes the original ‘open’ 7-tonne mash tun, one of only a handful still in existence. The distillery sits on the shore of Loch Indaal on the west of the island.
6. Bunnahabhain
The remote Bunnahabhain distillery is situated in the north of Islay above Port Askaig. Bunnahabhain is Gaelic for river mouth, and the river runs just north of the distillery. It’s a glorious spot. The drive towards Bunnahabhain from Port Askaig along the winding road is stunning, with wonderful views of Jura and the Sound of Islay. And at the end, you’re rewarded with a warm welcome and a fabulous dram! Bunnahabhain is one of the milder Islay whiskies. The water rises through limestone and is transported by pipeline to the distillery, so it doesn’t pick up peat on the way.
Want to try a few different drams? Stay at Port Askaig Hotel and enjoy a wide selection of Scottish whisky.
7. Caol Ila
Caol Ila, pronounced col eela, is Gaelic for ‘sound of Islay’. Caol Ila is one of Islay’s largest Scotch whisky producers. A visit offers an impressive look at large-scale production in a spectacular setting overlooking the Sound of Islay.
8. Kilchoman
When Kilchoman began production in 2005, it was Islay’s first new distillery in over 124 years. It remains a family-run farm distillery, growing barley and carrying out traditional floor malting on site.
9. Ardnahoe
Set in the north-east corner of Islay, Ardnahoe enjoys magnificent views across the Sound of Islay to Jura. Its current Spirit of Ardnahoe Tour lasts around 90 minutes and finishes with two drams. Advance booking is advised.
10. Port Ellen
Port Ellen reopened in 2024 after more than four decades of silence. Today it welcomes visitors through premium, small-group tours and tastings. Experiences are available by appointment only, and walk-in visits are generally not accommodated.
Islay’s newest distillery, Laggan Bay, is Islay’s 11th working whisky distillery, with production now underway. Its official website does not yet advertise regular public tours, so check for future visitor announcements.
If you’re serious about whisky, don’t miss Fèis Ìle, a brilliant celebration of Islay’s heritage, culture and – of course – whisky! You might also want to visit neighbouring Jura. It’s just a short hop on the ferry from Islay and is home to the historic Isle of Jura distillery.
