The history of an award-winning distillery

Ardbeg Distillery can trace its roots back to 1815 when John Macdougall started brewing and selling his whisky. After buyouts, closures and re-openings, fast forward to 1998 and Ardbeg is voted Distillery of the Year. This is the first of many awards. One of the biggest awards came when Ardbeg Ten Years Old won World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s 2008 Whisky Bible. Today, whisky from the Ardbeg distillery is drunk all over the world. Some claim it to be the best there is! 

Visiting the distillery

Visitors staying at Islay Cottages often want to take an insider glimpse into how whisky is made at Ardbeg Distillery. There are tours aplenty for you to choose from. For a basic yet insightful tour – perfect for those just learning about whisky – then try the Quintessential Ardbeg Tour. Learn all about milling, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation. 

If you are looking for something a bit more in-depth focussed on the whisky rather than the making of it, then consider the Stillhouse and Warehouse 3 Tasting tour. Here you’ll be able to taste whiskies straight form the cask. You’ll also have an expert on hand to help you detect all the subtle flavours. 

For the ultimate experience, consider an evening spent in Ardbeg an evening well spent! For a detailed tour and rare tasting along with a small group of friends and family, An Evening Behind Closed Doors is for you. 

Take a look at this distillery’s range of tours, which change depending on the season. And if you get hungry, you can also choose from a selection of food and (non-alcoholic) drink at the distillery too.

Delicious drams

Our cottages make the perfect place to sit and have a dram of Ardbeg whisky. Whether cosied in by a fire in our cottages, or outside enjoying the views form the garden at Kilchoman House, a fine sip of whisky can make everything just right. So what should you choose?

The Ardbeg Ten Year Old is a drink enjoyed everywhere by people who love a peaty flavour. It has a magnificent depth of flavour, and is something to enjoy with others. This popular whisky takes on a new life when a drop of water is added too. The perfect end to any day.

For something a bit more adventurous, try the Ardbeg Wee Beastie. Described as the rawest, smokiest Ardbeg ever, this is a drink to fine tune your senses. 

Take a look at the wide range of Ardbeg whiskies available here. 

Stay with us on Islay

So enjoy the finest whisky in luxurious accommodation on Islay. Our cottages make for the perfect setting for a relaxing stay on the island, and with a glass of whisky in hand, it couldn’t be more Scottish. Take a look at our special offers and start planning your Scottish break on Islay with a visit to the Ardbeg distillery. 

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Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Jura Music Festival 2024 will take place from 27th to 20th September. This spectacular music festival is hosted on our neighbouring isle of Jura. It’s easy to get there from our holiday cottages on Islay. Simply make your way to Port Askaig and hop on the ferry to Feolin, Jura. The crossing between our two islands takes just 10 minutes and you can view the timetable here. We recommend buying your ferry tickets in advance during this busy time.

What’s happening at this year’s event?

This is a very special year for the Jura Music Festical. Its celebrating its 30th anniversary with fantastic lineup of bands and singers, meaning the island will be dancing like never before. Visitors can enjoy a range of free and ticketed music events, workshops and ceilidhs all feature on the action-packed programme. You can buy tickets here.

Friday

The festival kicks off on Friday 27th September with a free local concert in the village hall with some of Jura’s most talented performers. During the day, the Saltire street band will be performing.

Saturday

On Saturday, the entertainment continues with workshops from groups such as the Edinburgh Samba School. There will be entertainment on the streets and in the pubs, and plenty of opportunities to get your toes tapping on the island. In the evening, there will be a concert and ceilidh in the village hall, followed by a big marquee event until late.

Sunday

On the final day of the festival, there will be a parade through the village with the Islay and Jura Pipe and Drum band, and more musical performances and family fun. There is also an open mic afternoon and raffle draw in the Marquee, which is free to attend. The festival closes in the marquee that night, with an after party from Armen van Muiren.

So, come along with your dancing shoes and enjoy the fabulous ceilidhs and other musical events on offer! For the full line up, tickets and timings, please check out the programme here.

Staying at Islay Cottages

If this is music to your ears and you are looking for accommodation, then check out our holiday cottages on Islay. Our quaint and cosy Kilchoman Cottages and Georgian Kilchoman House are only a 30-minute drive from the ferry crossing to Jura at Port Askaig. So, if you are planning to visit Jura Music Festival, we would be delighted to accommodate you. Book online or contact us here for more information.

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