Whisky, Gin & Rum: The Top Distilleries on Jura
Scotland's Adventure CoastThe Hebridean island of Jura couldn’t be more different to neighbouring Islay. Islay is relatively flat, fertile and populated, while Jura is mountainous, rugged and home to just a couple of hundred souls. The islands’ whiskies are distinct, too. So after you’ve tasted Islay’s peaty malts, hop across the Sound of Islay and experience the spirit of Jura! And whisky isn’t the only spirit produced on Jura: Craft gin and even Scottish rum are now distilled on the island, too.
Discover more about these unique island spirits, where to sample them and how to visit their distilleries on Jura.
Jura Whisky Distillery
The Isle of Jura Distillery has stood in its spot since 1810 when it was built by the Campbells of Jura. When production stopped in 1900s it fell into disrepair, but was revived in 1963. Ever since then, Jura Distillery has been using extra tall stills to create a unique range of whiskies, both smoky (peated) and sweet (lighter in style). There are four main whiskies. Origin is smooth and clean tasting, Superstition is a sweet yet smoky delight, Diurachs’ Own is full-bodied and aged for 16 years, while Prophecy packs a huge peaty, salty punch.
The best way to learn more about the whisky (and try a dram or two) is to take a tour of the distillery. You’ll discover more about the island’s heritage and how Jura whisky is crafted. Tours run throughout the year, but it’s best to book ahead. The basic ‘Distillery Tour’ is ideal for those who want a good overview. To delve a bit deeper, take the ‘Sweet and Smoky Experience’ tour. ‘Discovering The Uncommon’ is an in-depth tour which concentrates on what makes Jura’s distillation process different to other distilleries.
Craft Gin
While Jura whisky has a long history, Lussa Gin is the new kid on the block. It’s made by hand in small batches by three local women - Claire Fletcher, Georgina Kitching & Alicia MacInnes - in Ardlussa at the north end of the island. This all-woman gin team not only distils the spirit, but the ladies themselves grow and gather the key botanicals, including lemon thyme, rose petals, bog myrtle, elderflower, Scots pine, honeysuckle, sea lettuce and watermint. Spring water comes from the Lussa Glen. The result is a full-bodied floral gin with a hint of native flora, reflecting the wild conditions of the island. Distillery tours are available via their website.
If you do make the trip to Ardlussa, make sure you visit the glorious sandy beach at Inverlussa.
Jura Craft Rum
Tucked away just outside of Craighouse, Deer Island Rum is a small-batch distillery with a big island heart. Founded by Jura locals Michael Walton and Charlotte Gillett, the rum is handcrafted using Scottish white rum, island water, and locally foraged botanicals. The result? A rich, spiced rum with notes of citrus, toffee, and warm spice.
Visitors can drop into the tiny distillery and shop (open seasonally or by request) for tastings, tours, and stories straight from the makers. With unique products like rum-soaked raisins and coffee liqueur, Deer Island Rum offers a truly flavourful taste of Jura’s creative spirit.
Good to Know!
Getting to Jura
We recommend catching the Jura Passenger Ferry from Tayvallich in mid-Argyll directly to Craighouse on Jura. This is a passenger-only ferry, but dogs and bikes are welcome. We'd recommend booking your tickets in advance.
If you're bringing your car, or in the winter, you can reach Jura via Islay. The islands are separated by the Sound of Islay, a half-mile-wide stretch of water. The ferry runs from Port Askaig on Islay to Feolin on Jura. Tickets can be purchased on the ferry or online in advance. We do, however, recommend to booking your Islay ferry tickets in advance via Clamac Ferries.
Where to stay
The popular Jura Hotel is just next door to Jura Distillery in Craighouse. It’s a relaxed and friendly place, and the lively bar, which is the island's only pub, is a great place to enjoy a dram or two. There’s also a camping field in front of the hotel. There’s no vehicle access to the site and campers are advised to arrive on foot or by bike only.
Do you prefer a self-catering option? Lorne Cottage is located only a short stroll from Craighouse Village. With stunning views over Small Isles Bay, the holiday cottage is only a stone's throw from the beach, making it a fantastic base for your relaxing island holiday. Bothan Jura Retreat also offers self-catering stays, perfect for couples seeking to truly unplug and reconnect for a while. All bothans come with Swedish wood fired hot tubs and the cottage also has a sauna.
You may also be interested in
Visiting Islay? Why you can’t miss out on Jura!
What makes Jura so special? There is nowhere quite like it in Scotland. Mountainous, wild and sparsely populated, it couldn’t be more different from Islay.
5 Incredible Wildlife Spectacles on Jura
Jura is mountainous, wild, and sparsely populated. If you love wildlife, make a journey to Jura and spot these 5 incredible wildlife spectacles.
How to enjoy Jura by ferry, foot and bike | Argyll & the Isles
Leave your car behind and explore the wild island of Jura by ferry, foot and bike. This is a public transport adventure you won't forget!
