Laphroaig Distillery
If you are planning a whisky holiday in Scotland, then add Laphroaig Distillery to the list and head to Islay. Founded by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston in 1815, Laphroaig is one of Islay’s older distilleries. Sitting 1.5miles east of Port Ellen, this whisky has a story to tell.
History of Laphroaig
Having initially farmed cattle to make whisky from the excess barley, the Johnston brothers found more profit in whisky than farming. So Laphroaig was born. Donald bought his brother out, but died shortly after leaving Laphroaig to his family and friends to run. A legal dispute soon erupted with neighbours, Mackie and Co, which saw things get messy. Eventually settled by the courts, the next phase saw Ian Hunter take over, and was the last of the founding Johnston family to run the distillery. He was a visionary and reshaped Laphroaig. Next came Bessie Williamson, who was the first woman to own Laphroaig. Eventually, she sold the distillery to Seager Evans & Co in the 60’s, helping it with its international status.
In 1994. HRH gave his Royal Warrant. Laphroaig is the only Scottish whisky to receive this honour. Iain Henderson became distillery manager in 1994, then in 2006, John Campbell took the reins and was the longest-serving manager Laphroaig has seen. In 2022, Ileach Barry MacAffer took on the role as manager, then in 2025, George Campbell took over the job.
Book Your StayThe Laphroaig Process
First, at the top of the malting house is the steep. Here, the barley is soaked for two days, then drained before heading to the malting floor. It is here that the ocean breeze adds to the process, keeping the room cool while adding the salty notes to the final taste. Before the barley is dried, it is infused with peat smoke, a process which most other distilleries do not do. Next is mashing and fermentation before heading to distillation. With seven copper stills, this is where the final magic happens to create the distinctive and famous tastes of Laphroaig.
As quoted by the then Prince Charles… “I think you make the finest whisky in the world.”
Visit Laphroaig Distillery
This distillery is well worth a visit. And of course, there are tours and experiences available. With a lot of choices, there is something for everyone. From walks in the countryside with picnics, to tasting and tours, there is even an oyster and whisky pairing experience. Each year, Laphroaig launches its new bottling during the festival of Fèis Ìle, which happens every May. So if you are on the island, you can head along and be one of the first to get your hands on one of these bottles.
Whisky holidays in Scotland
If you are looking for whisky holidays in Scotland, then Islay is the place to be. With its 9 working distilleries and the Jura Distillery being a hop, skip and jump on the neighbouring island, you are spoilt for choice. If you are looking for somewhere to stay, then take a look at our wonderful range of accommodation at Islay Cottages. Get booking your whisky holiday today. For more information, you can contact us here. We look forward
Book Your StayEverything 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.
