Scotch Whisky Distilleries in Argyll & the Isles

All single malt whiskies are made from the same three ingredients and follow the same process, but they don’t taste the same. Far from it. Scotch whisky distilleries across Argyll & the Isles produce a wide range of styles, from fresh, fruity, unpeated malts to rich, smoky, heavily peated whiskies.

Single-malt Scotch whisky is special. Special in provenance, heritage, production and taste. Made by a unique process of distillation and maturation, only whisky distilled in Scotland can claim the exclusive title of Scotch. Argyll & the Isles includes the protected whisky localities of Islay and Campbeltown, alongside Highland distilleries in Oban, Mull, Jura and Tiree.

Here, you can expect a breadth and depth of whisky experiences like no other. All set in an incredible, ever-changing landscape that will take your breath away.

Island Hopping 

For a Hebridean island-hopping adventure, we recommend starting off at Oban Distillery and taking the ferry to Mull, where you can visit Tobermory Distillery.

Oban Distillery, perched on the picturesque harbour, is one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries. It’s nice and close to Oban Whisky & Fine Wines Shop, which has a huge range of single malts, including some rare and collectable whiskies. Here you can while away the time engrossed in whisky chat with the passionate owners who are happy to pass on their expertise.

Don’t forget to sample some delicious freshly caught seafood before hopping on one of the regular ferries to Mull for the Tobermory Distillery. This artisan distillery produces both whisky and gin and offers tours, tasting experiences and a shop offering distillery-exclusive lines.

Islay - the Whisky Isle

For many, the ultimate whisky experience is a trip to Islay. Islay is home to eleven working distilleries, producing styles from unpeated and lightly peated malts to intensely smoky whiskies. Tour and tasting arrangements vary, so check each distillery’s current visitor programme and allow several days to explore the island.

Islay’s whisky story continues to grow. Port Ellen reopened in 2024 after four decades of silence, and Laggan Bay filled its first cask in April 2026. Bowmore is thought to be one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, notable for malting its own barley. At Caol Ila, you can see large-scale production, while Bruichladdich is refurbished in the old Victorian style. Ardberg produces one of the peatiest flavours, while Bunnahabhain produces a milder, unpeated whisky. Lagavulin produces one of Scotland’s most famous whiskies, while Laphroaig is known for its specific flavour.

Bunnahabhain is rated as the Scottish distillery with the best views, and Jura is the best for the beautiful boat journey to reach it.

Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg sit along Islay’s south coast and are linked by the 5.5 km Three Distilleries Pathway from Port Ellen to Ardbeg.

Note: Port Ellen ferry terminal is closed for redevelopment until 2029. CalMac’s Islay services are operating through Port Askaig, so check the latest timetable and allow for onward travel across the island.

Tiree

At West Hynish, the Isle of Tiree Distillery has revived whisky production on the island after more than 200 years. One of Scotland’s smallest traditional whisky operations, the distillery produces Isle of Tiree Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch Whisky, alongside Tyree Gin and Hebridean Pink Gin. Book a distillery tour to learn about Tiree’s distilling heritage and production methods, followed by a gin tasting or whisky samples drawn from the cask. Check current tour times and availability before travelling.

Campbeltown, Kintyre - The Whisky Capital of the World

No tour of the region would be complete without a trip to Campbeltown. Once the whisky capital of the world and home to 34 whisky distilleries, now just three remain. And what a three. Springbank Distillery, which draws its water from Crosshill Loch, produces three signature malts. You can tour Springbank Distillery and nearby Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery, home of Kilkerran single malt. The rebuilt Glengyle began distilling in 2004, the first new distillery in Campbeltown for more than 100 years. Glen Scotia retains much of its historic character, including its mash tun, stillroom and dunnage warehouse.