Whisky tours
Islay Scottish Whisky Distilleries
If you’re a whisky connoisseur, then a visit to the Islay whisky distilleries should be top of your agenda. There are 9 working Scottish whisky distilleries on the 619.6 km² Isle of Islay, with daily tours to visit them. A hop and a skip across the water and you can visit the Isle of Jura distillery too. Take a look at what’s on offer…
Islay whisky history
Islay, situated on the Scottish Whisky Coast, has been producing whisky for more than 300 years. The first recorded distillery was Bowmore, dating back to 1779. However, Irish monks were the first to produce whisky on the island in the early 14th century.
Islay, and the neighbouring island Jura, have the benefit of peaty land and lots of good quality water in the Lochs and rivers. The monks also discovered that local crofters grew bere, an early variety of barley. This crop was perfect for making whisky so, the crofters would use what they needed for food etc., and the monks used the rest for their stills.
Most of Islay’s original whisky distilleries started life as farm stills. However, during the 17th century, they went into hiding in secluded glens and caves to hide from the excise man!
Islay’s Distilleries
The working distilleries are spread across the island and are punctuated by ruined buildings and place names of distilleries that have gone. Bowmore Distillery is said to be the oldest in Scotland. Ardnahoe is the most recent, joining the ranks in 2018.
Three more distilleries are due to open in the next couple of years, giving Islay a total of 11 on such a small island! In fact, as it stands at the moment, Islay and Jura produce 20,000,000 litres of whisky a year. With the tax on alcohol currently at 40%, these small islands are major contributors to the UK economy!
Book your tour
When you are visiting the island, a tour of a couple of distilleries is a must. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the history of Islay whisky. You’ll also discover why the island is known as the ‘whisky island’ and find out where the world-renowned smoky flavour comes from.
If you think you are likely to be sampling some of the whisky, check out the Bowmore Taxi Service. When you have finished touring and had your fill of the samples, you’ll be able to head back to spend a relaxing evening in one of our cosy properties.
Everything was to a good standard, the beds were comfortable and the wi-fi connection was more than adequate for such a remote location (we didn’t use the TV/DVD). The living room and kitchen area is perfect for relaxing in the evenings, and you’ll be amazed at the quiet ! If your idea of the perfect holiday is getting out into the wilds and exploring miles of unspoilt beauty, this is the place for you. I am certain it is popular with walkers, but you can also do many exciting trips by car (which you’ll need anyway to get around !). Some of the roads do get a bit funky in places, and it’s largely single track with passing places, but you soon get used to this, and the courtesy between drivers is generally a joy to experience.
The Kilchoman cottages are near three absolutely stunning beaches, all within 4/5 miles: Machir Bay, Saligo Bay and Sanaigmore, it was impossible to choose between them, but we visited each one at least twice. Perhaps the most scenic beaches we’ve ever seen, with beautiful rock formations, white sand and totally unspoilt (and indeed generally deserted !)
There’s also the possibility to take a day trip over to the nearby island of Jura, the famous `paps’ (mountains) add a stunning back drop to so many places on Islay. It is a photographer’s dream. Life is simpler here, and in many ways it had not changed at all for me since 1972 ! A lifetime dream fulfilled to come back here, and I wasn’t disappointed ! We were very very lucky with the weather, which does help, and on a good day I wouldn’t hesitate to call it paradise.
Handy hints: Take plenty of basic provisions with you, but the Co-op in Bowmore is up to modern standards for most of your needs, we only needed a couple of trips there to restock in two weeks. If you’re big on nightlife and bustle, give it a miss…but if you love nature, beauty and fresh air….it can’t be beaten.
