Islay Distilleries

Visiting Whisky Distilleries on Islay

Asides from Islay’s stunning natural beauty, if there’s one thing our island can hold a claim to fame about. And that’s producing world-class malt whisky! Of course, with nine distilleries on the island alone, it can be hard to know where to begin. But don’t worry, we’re here to give you an insight into every single one of the whisky distilleries on Islay.

Kilchoman Distillery

Right on the doorstep of our very own Kilchoman Cottages, is the aptly named Kilchoman Distillery. This is a relatively new player to the Islay whisky scene, arriving in 2005. It was the first new distillery to the island in 124 years!

The Kilchoman Distillery is unique because they hand-craft their whisky from barley that they grow on their own farm land, on site. Making it Scotland’s only Single Farm Single Malt. It’s also one of only a few remaining independent whisky distilleries.

Bowmore Distillery

If you’re staying at Dundonald Cottage, you’re very close to Bowmore Distillery. This is the oldest distillery on Islay, dating from 1779 or even earlier.

This is a wonderful place to take a tour (there are several to choose from) and learn about whisky history and heritage. It’s also home to the Bowmore Whisky Tasting Bar. A welcoming bar with spectacular views across Loch Indaal, and experts on hand to help you find your perfect dram.

Caol Ila Distillery

If whisky is your thing, then a trip to the Caol Ila Distillery is simply a must. Its Gaelic name translates as “sound of Islay” and you should pronounce it “cull-eela”.  This distillery is about a mile north from Port Askaig. Founded in 1846, the distillery has seen closure and re-opening due to major events such as the Second World War.

Today, the whisky distillery produces around 7 million litres of the spirit each year. Caol Ila distillery is also the market leader on Islay, producing well over double the volume of whisky as the other distilleries on the island. As Islay’s giant, a tour around the Caol Ila distillery is a must-visit attraction for any whisky enthusiast.

Ardbeg Distillery

The peaty flavour of Ardbeg Distillery whisky is favoured by millions across the world. Using malted barley dried with peat smoke, a deep, smoky flavor is imparted. The distillery itself, with its iconic whitewashed buildings and black-topped pagoda roofs, is not only a haven for whisky enthusiasts but also a significant landmark on Islay, reflecting the island’s robust whisky culture.

Ardbeg Distillery offers a variety of tours that provide an immersive experience into the art of whisky making. Visitors can choose from several tour options, each designed to cater to different levels of interest and knowledge. The Quintessential Ardbeg Tour gives an overview of the distillery’s history, the whisky-making process, and includes a tasting of some of Ardbeg’s finest expressions. If you want a more in-depth experience, then an Evening Behind Closed Doors offers an extensive tasting session with private evening access, showcasing the distillery’s core range along with special releases.

Ardnahoe Distillery

Ardnahoe Distillery is the new kid on the block, founded in 2018. It has quickly garnered attention for its commitment to producing high-quality single malt Scotch whisky using time-honored techniques, including the use of worm tub condensers and wooden washbacks, which contribute to its distinctive peaty flavour profile.

Ardnahoe Distillery offers a range of tours designed to give visitors an intimate look into its whisky-making process. The Spirit Of Ardnahoe provides an overview of the distillery’s operations, finishing in their bespoke dramming area with a 15ml sample and a glass to take home.

Bruichladdich Distillery

Bruichladdich Distillery is renowned for its innovative approach to whisky-making while maintaining deep-rooted traditions. Established in 1881 and resurrected in 2001, Bruichladdich stands out for its commitment to using 100% Scottish barley and its practice of slow distillation to craft uniquely complex and flavorful single malt whiskies. The distillery produces a diverse range of whiskies, from the unpeated Bruichladdich Classic to the heavily peated Port Charlotte and the ultra-peated Octomore, each reflecting the distillery’s ethos of craftsmanship and quality.

Bruichladdich Distillery offers an array of tours that provide a comprehensive and engaging whisky experience. Take a guided walk around their Victorian distillery, with a tasting at the end. Alternatively you could even enjoy a warehouse tasting experience, with sample bottles and a complimentary glass at the end.

Bunnahabhain Distillery

On the rugged northeast coast of Islay sits Bunnahabhain Distillery. Creating distinctively smooth and lightly peated single malt Scotch whiskies, it was established in 1881 and develops a signature unpeated Islay Single Malt Whisky. The distillery’s remote location, overlooking the Sound of Islay, contributes to the unique maritime character of its whiskies, which are matured in coastal warehouses for a signature briny undertone.

Bunnahabhain Distillery offers a variety of distillery experiences. Whisky tastings are held in their new Visitor Centre which boasts spectacular views across the Sound of Islay. Furthermore, their warehouse 9 tasting is one of our most popular tours, proving to be popular with whisky lovers. It ends with an exclusive tasting of delicious whisky taken straight from the cask.

Lagavulin Distillery

On the southern coast is Islay, Lagavulin Distillery is renowned for producing 1.4 million litres of some of the most robust and richly peated single malt Scotch whiskies in the world. Founded in 1816, Lagavulin’s whisky is celebrated for its intense smoky flavor, deep complexity, and long, elegant finish. The distillery’s picturesque location overlooking Lagavulin Bay adds to its charm, making it a must-visit destination for whisky enthusiasts and travelers exploring Islay’s storied whisky trail.

Lagavulin Distillery offers a range of tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into its traditional whisky-making process. The Lagavulin Distillery Classic Tour takes visitors through the history and production techniques and a three-dram tutored tasting, including a sample of their Distillery Exclusive bottling.

Laphroaig Distillery

Laphroaig Distillery was established in 1815 and is consistently the highest selling whisky on Islay. Around 2.7 million litres of alcohol are distilled each year and has a strong, peaty flavour. It has a museum, shop and lounge bar to make for a pleasant day out.

A wide range of tours are available, from a simple tour of the distillery to more intensiveday-long experiences, some ending with the presentation of your very own iconic 10 Year Old whisky. A welcome end to a wonderful day.

Islay Whisky Breaks

Of course, visiting all these distilleries can be exhausting! But if you’re staying with us at Islay Cottages, you can relax after a hard day’s tasting and touring. So, book now and get planning your trip around the many whisky distilleries on Islay!