islay

Islay has 8 whisky distilleries located here so there must be something special about the island and propensity for producing world class whisky. Some distilleries say its the grain grown here, the way the sea air filters through the peated grain, the old barrels or simply a hundred and more years of experience in making the world's finest whisky. You can see all 8 Islay Distilleries on the Discover Islay Website

The Whisky Coast

A super idea for anyone interested in the craft of Scottish Whisky Distilling. Combine 18 top class hotels with 16 whisky distilleries... For more information click here

Ardbeg

The distillery produces a peaty malt whisky and has done so since 1815. Follow the road from Port Ellen and you will eventually arrive at Ardbeg Distillery. The white-washed walls of the distillery nestles in a in a rocky cove on the southern tip of Islay. Ardbeg some say is the Ultimate Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky.

Bowmore

Built in 1779 Bowmore Distillery boasts a proud tradition of producing the finest malt whisky for over 200 years. This whisky has a wonderful smoky flavour and is appreciated the world over now as it has been for generations of whisky drinkers. Try a 25 year old malt from Bowmore.

Bruichladdich

Reopened in 2001, Bruichladdich distillery was originally established way back in 1881. The renaissance is a big hit with whisky connoisseurs as the Bruichladdich distillery now produces half a million litres of finest Scotch Malt Whisky annually!

Caol Ila

Caa-l-ee-la as its pronounced, nestles in a wee cove just round from Port Askaig and has done so since 1846. Caol Ila Distillery prides itself on producing around 3.6 million litres of superb pale malt whisky aged for between 8 and 12 years. A superior, light almost floral tasting malt whisky

Kilchoman

A new kid on the block but Kilchoman Distillery has already established a reputation because of the care, attention and tradition that goes into making the distinctive 'Farm Distillery' malt whisky. The barley is grown on the farm, harvested and then sent up the road to the Kilchoman Distillery to germinate and be 'peated'. It is then 'mashed' brewed and distilled before being bottled and aged... all at the Kilchoman Farm Distillery

Lagavulin

1742 saw the first buildings at Lagavulin Distillery. Since then the company has produced a deep peaty spirit which just gets better the longer you leave it. Lagavulin Distillery's standard malt whisky is a sprightly 16 years old!

Laphroaig

Port Ellen in the south of the Isle of Islay is home to the Laphroaig Distillery. Since 1815 the company has produced a distinctive malt whisky in part due to the use of Bourbon barrels which does not smooth the taste like the more traditional sherry casks do. You should buy a 50 year old Laphroaig malt whisky - its one of life's real pleasures and a work or art.