Whisky, Gin and Rum Distilleries in Argyll & the Isles
Meet the makers of Scotch Whisky, 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 eighteen 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!
The distilleries of Argyll & the Isles span three of Scotland’s recognised whisky regions: Campbeltown, Highland and Islay. Oban, Jura, Mull and Tiree are part of the Highland region.
Gin Distilleries
Gin is produced on Kintyre and Colonsay, Islay, Bute, Jura, Mull and Tiree. 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. Recent additions include Port Ellen, which resumed distilling in 2024, and Laggan Bay, Islay’s eleventh working distillery. Further distillery developments are planned around Campbeltown.
Whatever your tipple, the choice is abundant, the expertise undisputed, and the taste unparalleled. There are many ways to enjoy our distilleries’ heritage and produce. 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
Deer Island Rum
Deer Island Distillers are the Isle of Jura's rum producers, who launched in May 2021. Deer Island Distillers was founded by Jura-born Michael Walton and his...
Workshop 3, The Pier Garage
Craighouse
Isle of Jura
PA60 7XS
Isle of Bute Distillery
This quaint Scottish island is the driving force behind our small batch distillery. Our products are crafted with care in the heart of Rothesay using a tradi...
65 High Street
Isle of Bute
PA209AU
Tel: 07729 095306
Bruichladdich Distillery
We are an innovative Islay distillery producing unpeated Bruichladdich, heavily peated Port Charlotte and super-heavily peated Octomore single malt whiskies....
Bruichladdich
Isle of Islay
PA49 7UN
Tel: 01496 850190
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!
Apple Brandy by Beinn An Tuirc Distillery.
Explore Scottish Spirits
Distillery visits are only part of the region’s whisky experience. You can combine whisky and the sea on a West Coast sailing holiday or whisky cruise, arrange a private boat trip with distillery stops with Westie Whisky Tours, or join an independent guided tasting such as Ooshka Bar in Oban. Experiences, routes and departure points vary, so check availability and travel arrangements directly with each provider.
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 Ardbeg, 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 our makers’ passion and skill.
- 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 Islay in May for the festival, and you can visit Port Ellen Maltings to tour the malting floors.
- Production pauses vary by distillery and do not always affect visitor tours. Check current tour availability directly before travelling
- It can be very warm in the distilleries, and you may walk on narrow, uneven surfaces and climb 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 and numerous whisky bars and shops, Oban is a place every whisky lover should visit.
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.
Visit 10 Islay Whisky Distilleries | Scotland's Whisky Coast
Plan a visit to 10 Islay whisky distilleries, from Laphroaig and Ardbeg to Ardnahoe and Port Ellen, with tour tips, ferry advice and places to stay.
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 & Kathy Willis
Anthony and Kathy Wills established Kilchoman as a family-run business 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 McAlisterGlen Scotia 25-Year-Old was named Best in Show at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Glen Scotia was named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year that year.
Former engineer Iain McAlister has served as 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 respecting craftsmanship and traditional skills to maintain the highest standards.
Iain’s favourite tipple is a Friday night dram of Glen Scotia Double Cask.
