Islay whisky distillery tours
You are in a whisky lovers’ paradise on the island of Islay, with a choice of wonderful whisky distilleries to visit and tour. So come and explore…
Islay Whisky Distillery Tours
If you are looking for things to do on Islay then why not tour all the distilleries? Tours take place daily and offer a rare insight into Islay whisky production and tasting. Kilchoman has a great gift shop and café making it the perfect lunch spot, just across the fields from our cottages.
Whisky Tours
Bowmore Whisky Tours and Taxi Service offer bespoke whisky tours for individuals and small groups. To organise a tour you can call them on 01496 810 449. It is also possible to visit the south coast distilleries by boat. Islay Sea-Adventures (01496 300129) can organise these tours for you.
This tour starts on the south coast before heading north and east and ending at Kilchoman in the west:
As you approach Port Ellen, the Maltings and the reek of Peat will greet you. Just behind it is the now-closed distillery of Port Ellen. Each year there is a widely anticipated release of another batch of remaining stock that is extremely sought after by whisky lovers worldwide. There is a walking path under construction linking the three south coast distilleries which will soon make tours much easier.
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Laphroaig Distillery
Excellent visitor centre with regular tours, which are worth booking in advance. Whilst visiting you can become “A Friend of Laphroaig” and place your flag on your own square foot of Islay before enjoying a complimentary dram. www.laphroaig.com Call 01496 302418 for more information.
Lagavulin Distillery
Next along the road heading east from Port Ellen, tours by appointment only. It is in a wonderful setting with yachts often anchored in the bay and views over to Dunyvaig Castle. Warehouseman’s Tasting is particularly recommended. www.discovering-distilleries.com/lagavulin Call 01496 302749 for more information.
Ardbeg Distillery
This distillery has a very well-stocked shop and an excellent café that is a popular choice for lunch. www.ardbeg.com Call 01496 302244 for more information.
Bowmore Distillery
Bowmore Whisky Distillery was founded in 1779 and is the oldest of the Islands distilleries. A minute’s walk from our Dundonald accommodation, it is well worth a visit. Details of tour times and what’s on can be found at www.bowmore.com Call 01496 810441 for more information.
Caol Ila Distillery
Beautifully situated on the Sound of Islay with views to the Paps of Jura, this just up the coast from the ferry terminal at Port Askaig. Tours by appointment only so book ahead. www.discovering-distilleries.com/caolila Call 01496 302769 for more information.
Bunnahabhain Distillery
Probably the most remote of the island’s distilleries, Bunnahabhain is situated on the shore beside the Sound of Islay. Less peaty than other Islay malts, this as a unique flavour. Take the turning on the left before Caol Ila passing Persabus Pottery to find this distillery. However, tours by appointment only so book ahead. www.bunnahabain.com Call 01496 840646 for more information.
Jura Distillery
Worth a visit even if simply for the ferry trip to Jura. The distillery is in Craighouse, the main village which is a fifteen-minute drive from the ferry. www.jurawhisky.com Call 01496 820385 for more information.
Bruichladdich Distillery
This very active distillery has popular tours, on the road to Port Charlotte overlooking Lochindaal. A well-stocked shop with a varied choice of whisky means you can easily pick up souvenirs for loved ones. www.bruichladdich.com Call 01496 850190 for more information.
Kilchoman Distillery
Islay’s the second newest distillery on the island, being founded in 2005 and it offers a thoroughly interesting tour where you take in all stages of the whisky-making process. Five minutes from Kilchoman House and Cottages, you could easily walk if required. Its café also makes it a perfect spot for lunch. www.kilchomandistillery.com Call 01496 850011 for more information.
Ardnahoe Distillery
And if you want to visit the youngest distillery then head along to Ardnahoe. A dream of a Scottish family came to fruition when its first runs of distillation began in October 2018. Head along and take part in a tour to hear the interesting story behind this new distillery. And all topped off with some tastings at the end. Furthermore, you can enjoy some food in their restaurant whilst overlooking the Sounds of Jura. www.ardnahoedistillery.com Call 01496 840777 for more information.
Get in touch today…
So if you are looking for things to do in Islay and want to find out all about Islay whisky then you are now well equipped. To find out more about Islay whisky tours or if you want to know more about our Islay Cottages then get in touch with us today or call us on 07880 706 356. We look forward to hearing from you!
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