Distilleries - Whisky, Gin & Rum
Meet the makers, tour the distilleries and sample fine single malt Scotch whisky, artisan Scottish gins and rums.Explore Scotland's West Coast Distilleries
With its extensive peatland, pure clear waters and proud distilling heritage, it’s no surprise that Argyll & the Isles have earned the reputation of Scotland’s Whisky Coast.
The area is home to fifteen world-class whisky distilleries, plus a handful of award-winning micro-distilleries producing artisan gin and delicious rum.
Whisky Distilleries
Scotland's west coast boasts some of the most famous Scotch whisky distilleries including Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Glen Scotia, Bowmore and Springbank. Visit us and sample a wee dram!
Within Argyll & the Isles, the four whisky-producing regions are:
- Campbeltown (once the capital of whisky production)
- Oban, a Highland distillery
- Island distilleries: Jura and Tobermory on Mull
- Perhaps the most famous is Islay (often called the Whisky Isle), where some distilleries grow their own barley.
Gin Distilleries
Gin is produced in Kintyre and Colonsay, Islay, Bute, Jura and Mull islands. Perhaps we should also be known as Scotland's Gin Coast!
Rum Distilleries
Jura's Deer Island specialise in the distillation of rum, while the Isle of Bute Distillery and Beinn an Tuirc in Kintyre produce seasonal barrels.
Quality of Spirit
Wherever the spirits are produced, the emphasis here is on quality. These are prestigious products which are in global demand.
The worldwide interest in single-malt whisky has fuelled new developments, and new distilleries are expected to open soon. Whatever your tipple, the choice is abundant, the expertise undisputed, and the taste unparalleled. There are many ways to enjoy the heritage and produce of our distilleries. Most offer tours and tasting experiences, and with our regular ferry services, it’s easy to combine distillery visits with a wee island-hopping adventure.
Take home a bottle to remember your stay and top up supplies by ordering online from the comfort of your home. You could join us for a dram or two at one of our fantastic whisky festivals in Islay or Campbeltown.
The Gaelic word for whisky is uisge beatha, which means water of life. In these parts, we couldn’t agree more.
Go Wild About Argyll's Distilleries
Springbank Distillers
No distillery in Scotland is as self-contained as Springbank. From the malting of the barley to the final stage of bottling, each step of the process is comp...
Well Close
Campbeltown
PA28 6ET
Tel: +44 1586 552009
Apple Brandy Produced in Argyll
Orchard to bottle, a truly local spirit!
First release of Apple Brandy by Beinn An Tuirc distillery.
Explore Scottish Spirits
Whether you're a whisky connoisseur, a gin lover or simply interested in our world-renowned heritage, a distillery tour offers a great day out.
You'll hear from the makers, learn about the art of choosing the barrel and hear how the master distillers craft the flavour to perfection.
Plus, you'll get to sample a glass or two!
Many of the whisky distilleries are on the islands so you can combine a distillery visit with a spot of island hopping and sightseeing.
For the truly dedicated, we even have a whisky walk. The Islay distilleries pathway is a 5.5km linear path which connects the distilleries of Ardberg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin. It's a lovely walk with coastal views and helps you keep a clear head between tastings!
Whether you visit one or all of the distilleries, we know you'll be blown away by the flavours and in awe of the passion and skills of our makers.
- Visit Laphroaig in the spring and you're likely to see the peat being hand cut. In the summer, you can see it left out to dry.
- Visit Ilsay in May for the festival and you can visit Port Ellen Maltings to tour the malting floors.
- Silent season - when production stops to allow for repairs, training etc - usually happens in August when most of the distilleries close.
- It can be very warm in the distilleries, and you may be walking on narrow uneven surfaces and climbing steps. Dress for comfort!
More About Scotland's Distilleries
Pour a wee dram, sit back and enjoy the best of our spirit themed blogs. Slainte!
Why whisky lovers need to visit Oban | Wild About Argyll
Home to the historic Oban Distillery, as well as numerous convivial whisky bars and shops, every whisky lover should visit Oban.
Why Campbeltown was the Whisky Capital of the World
It may be the smallest of Scotland’s whisky regions today, but Campbeltown used to be the whisky capital of the world, with more than 30 distilleries.
Scotland's Whisky Isle: 8 Whisky Distillery to Visit on Islay
Islay and whisky go together like, well, a fine single malt and a roaring log fire
KINTYRE GIN
Emma MacAlisterEmma is the brains behind Beinn an Tuirc Distillers which produces award-winning Kintyre Gin. The distillery uses local spring water and botanicals for earthy and spicy characteristics, a deep flavour and a pleasing floral aroma.
Located on the beautiful Torrisdale Estate, the distillery is hydro-powered and has a deep commitment to the local community.
Emma says, "We are very conscious that we have this responsibility to the area. We have sustainability at our heart with our sustainable source of power but for me, sustainability isn’t just about green energy, it’s got to be looking at the bigger picture, especially in a rural community because it’s so fragile.”
KILCHOMAN
DISTILLERY
Antony & Cathy Willis
Kilchoman is a family run business established by Anthony and Kathy Wills in 2005. It is the only independent farm distillery on Islay.
As the business expanded, the husband and wife team were joined by their three sons; James, George and Peter.
The Wills family remain the driving force behind Kilchoman with Anthony as Managing Director and Master Distiller, Kathy running the Visitor Centre and their three sons managing the distillery’s sales and marketing activities.
GLEN SCOTIA
Iain MacAlisterGlen Scotia was voted World's Best Whisky and Scotland's Distillery of the Year in 2021.
Former engineer Iain McAlister has been the esteemed distillery manager for twelve years. Born and bred in Campbeltown, Iain is fiercely proud of the place, its people and its rich whisky heritage.
Established in 1832, the distillery retains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom and the dunnage warehouse. Iain innovates while seeking to respect craftsmanship and traditional skills to retain the highest standards.
Iain's favourite tipple is a Friday night dram of Glen Scotia Double Cask.
