Argyll & the Isles is home to 18 working Scotch whisky distilleries, from Islay’s famous producers to Campbeltown’s historic distilleries and island malts from Jura, Mull and Tiree. Explore tours, tastings and visitor information across Scotland’s Whisky Coast.
A distillery visit will introduce you to these tastes under the expert guidance of an artisan distiller. You’ll learn about malting and mashing, fermentation and distillation, and maturation and release. Some distilleries even encourage you to try your hand at the process and, importantly, all conclude with a taste of the fine stuff in convivial surroundings, surrounded by the coastal beauty of 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.
For two centuries, Oban’s bustling fishing village has sat on the frontier of the West Highlands and the Islands, the meeting place of land and sea. One of S...
Oban Distillery
Stafford St
Oban
PA34 5NH
Tel: 01631 572004
Join a gathering of whisky and Islay fans from across the globe. In the last week of May, we celebrate Islay, her culture and her spirit, in a ten-day event that defines the whisky calendar.
Each May, Campbeltown’s distilleries and whisky businesses host open days, tours, tastings and special releases during the Campbeltown Malts Festival. Check the latest programmes from Glen Scotia, Springbank, Kilkerran and Cadenhead’s before booking.
Scotland’s Whisky Coast brings together Islay and Campbeltown, two of Scotland’s five recognised whisky areas and protected in law as localities, alongside Highland distilleries in Oban, Mull, Jura and Tiree.
Booking and opening times
Book your Distillery experiences in advance, particularly during summer and cruise visits. Most distilleries have age limits for their tours.
Drink responsibly
If you are driving, plan ahead. Some distilleries offer takeaway driver’s drams or alcohol-free options. You can also use local buses, taxis, or booked transfers. See the Scotch Whisky Association’s guidance on responsible drinking for more info.
To be called Scotch, whisky must be made in Scotland. Single malt Scotch must be distilled at a single distillery and matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years.
Whisky distilleries dot Scotland, and the west coast is often called Scotland’s Whisky Coast. In Argyll, whisky distilleries are clustered into four regions: 1. Islay, 2. the Highlands (Oban & Loch Lomond), 3. Campbeltown (the former capital of whisky), and 4. Islands, including Jura and Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.
This is a common question, and we can’t give a single answer. It all comes down to taste. What we can say is that whisky from Scotland’s Whisky Coast is some of the highest-quality Scotch you’ll find in the world!
In Scotland, it is spelt whisky, without an e. In Ireland and most parts of America, it is spelt whiskey. This largely stems from differences in the word’s original Scots and Gaelic derivations.
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.
Explore 18 whisky distilleries across Argyll & the Isles, from Islay's peaty malts to Campbeltown's historic Whisky Coast.
The Hebridean Isle of Jura is known for its rugged landscape. Bute there's plenty whisky and craft gin to discover tool! Here are our top distilleries on Jura.
