The Isle of Islay is only approximately 25 miles long but hosts ten distilleries. The distilleries are:
- Ardbeg, founded 1815, heavily peated character
- Ardnahoe, opened 2019
- Bowmore, founded 1779
- Bruichladdich, founded 1881, mothballed 1994, reopened with master disttiler Jim McEwan (formerly Bowmore)
- Bunnahabhain, founded 1881, known for unpeated whisky, though producing “Moine” for the sweddish market alone
- Caol Ila, founded 1846, used for Johnny Walker
- Kilchoman, founded 2005 – small farm distillery
- Lagavulin, founded 1816, famous for rich, intensily smoky
- Laphroaig, founded 1815, iconic hdeavily peated
- Port Ellen founded 1825, closed 1983 (revived by Diageo in 2024)
There are a few more planned:
1. Elixir Distillers — “Portintruan Distillery”
The project is located just outside the town of Port Ellen on the south coast of Islay.
It aims to produce both peated and un-peated single malt whiskies, and includes modern/experimental elements (visitor centre, on-site facilities).
Status: Under construction; however, it has had some delays (noted in late 2024) but still expected to open around 2025.
2. Ian Macleod Distillers & The Islay Boys — “Laggan Bay Distillery”
Located at Glenegedale, near Laggan Bay (central Islay) and adjacent to Islay’s airport.
Planning permission granted; project expected to complete by 2025.
3. Chivas Brothers (a division of Pernod Ricard) — “Gartbreck Distillery” (proposed)
They have submitted plans to build their first distillery on Islay, at Gartbreck Farm (west of Bowmore, at Saltpan Point) — a site facing Loch Indaal.
The facility is intended to produce an Islay-style smoky/peated single malt and will be designed to be carbon neutral from inception.
Status: Planning application submitted; not yet built as of latest info.
Besides the exquisite booze the isle is also a natural beauty spot and even offers golf course for those who require whisky & golf.
As we operate from St Andrews we would suggest a 4 day tour. However, we can collect you pretty much anywhere in Scotland.
ITINERARY
Day 1
9 am pick up St Andrews
10.30 am Stirling Castle
1pm Luss Lunch
3pm Kennacraig to Port Askaig
6 pm arrive at B&B
7.30 pm Dinner
Day 2
9 am Leave Port Askaig
9.15 am Ardnahoe Whisky Distillery
10 am Caol Ila Whisky Distillery
11 am Bunnahabhain Whisky Distillery
1 pm Bruichladdich Whisky Distillery (Lunch!)
4 pm Kilchoman Whisky Distillery
7 pm Arrival B&B Bridgend
Day 3
9 am Leave Bridgend B&B
9.30 am Bowmore Whisky Distillery
11 am Ardbeg Whisky Distillery & lunch
2 pm Lagavulin Whisky Distillery
4.30 pm Laphroig Whisky Distillery
7 pm Port Ellen to sail or stay till next morning
Day 4
10 am Leave Kennacraig
11 am Inveraray Castle
1.30 pm Lunch Killin Inn
6pm Arrival St Andrews
If you find ten (plus) whisky distilleries too overwhelming in two days, add a day or leave some out. Our tours are all bespoke so you can get us to create exactly what you would like and since we are a small group you can make amendments on the day if for instance the weather changes. You can start your tour from anywhere in Scotland as well, including Edinburgh airport, Glasgow Airport, Aberdeen airport etc.
Do get in touch to for your tailer-made Islay whisky tour:
The island of Islay offers many more attractions, some even not whisky related such as the nature & wildlife, stunning beaches and opportunities to swim. The Wollenmill, Finlaggan, The Museum of Islay Life and whisky-related the Whisky Vault situated in Islay Square where you will find a collection of unique shops. Islay Info can help with booking accommodation and keepng up-to-date with events, such as the annual & magical Islay Whisky Festival (Feis Ile), Please note, should you plan to come for the Feis Ile accommodation & ferries must be booked way ahead of time.
