The Best 9 Whisky Distilleries on Islay, Scotland
For those of you that don’t know, the Isle of Islay is Scotland’s famous ‘Whisky Island’. It’s where you’ll find some of the finest Scottish whisky (or 'scotch whiskey’, for the Americans) in all of Scotland. Which granted, is not a massive place, BUT STILL boasts around 143 whisky distilleries nationwide!
So with the massive amount of choices before you, we thought we’d give you a hand and cut down the options a bit. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 9 BEST whisky distilleries on Islay… okay, let me bring you in on the joke - there ARE only 9 distilleries on Islay. But that’s a massive number of distilleries for an island of only 3,000 inhabitants.
Anyway, Islay is the perfect place for lovers of scotch, our fine Scottish whisky, and so it’s ideal to head to the island when visiting Scotland to get the most out of your time here. It’s also why we designed a 4-day whisky tour that heads to Islay, starting in 2024 - check it out here.
Enough rambling, let’s get to the whisky!
Ardbeg Distillery
Ardbeg’s reputation proceeds it amongst whisky connoisseurs. Over the years it has become somewhat a cult classic whiskey and has amassed and impressive following of devoted fans.
As a result, Ardbeg have recently managed to sell a single malt cask from 1975 for £16 million, an incredible record-breaking sum. You do have to wonder that after 46 years in a cask, if it will taste any good.
Joining Ardbegs worldwide committee means having access to their members-only whiskeys as well as VIP events and other exclusive content. Don’t miss this cult classic on your whisky tour of Scotland.
2. Laphroaig Distillery
Another Isle of Islay distillery that begs mention is Laphroaig, one of my personal favourites as I’m a lover of that peaty, smoky flavour they infuse so well into the whisky.
Founded in 1815 by members of the Clan MacDonald, they got to using the abundance of peat on the island to enhance the taste. This is quite typical of the island whiskys, and you’ll notice some similarities in tastes among the various distilleries.
Laphroaig, however, stand out among the rest. Visit their distillery to learn how it’s all made by master distillers and to try their impressive range of whisky’s.
3. Lagavulin Distillery
The Lagavulin Distillery, situated on Lagavulin Bay in Scotland, is renowned as one of the oldest distilleries on the Islay Islands. Originally one of 10 illicit distilleries dating back to 1742, it took 74 years for the establishment of the first legal distillery by local farmer John Johnston.
Despite multiple name changes over the years, the distinctive flavours of peat and smoke in this liquid gold have endured. If you haven't had the pleasure of tasting Lagavulin, you're truly missing out on an exceptional malt scotch.
The predominant flavour is smokiness as with many of the Islay whisky’s coming from the peat dug up around the island.
4. Bowmore Distillery
Bowmore whisky embraces its heritage, maintaining a connection to tradition from its historic distillery to its timeless Scotch offerings. With a history spanning over 240 years, the brand has expanded its influence globally while remaining firmly rooted in its origins.
Despite being the second most popular whisky produced on Scotland's Islay island (with Laphroaig claiming the top spot), Bowmore's distinctiveness stems from its rich history, setting it apart as a memorable brand in the competitive whisky landscape.
By infusing unique flavours inspired by its home isle, employing traditional malting floors, and emphasising its geographical significance, Bowmore's single-malt expressions exemplify the essence of classic Scotch whisky.
5. Bunnahabhain Distillery
Bunnahabhain is often regarded as the gentlest and most subdued among Islay malts. However, this characterisation can be somewhat deceiving, as despite its predominantly unpeated nature, the whisky possesses significant character and a robust flavour.
This distinctive character is crafted through a special union of sherry influences and the briny essence of sea air, challenging the perception of mildness associated with this spirit.
And what a view! The distillery is found on the north-east coast of Islay and used to be almost exclusively accessed by boat. Fortunately, now we can drive right up to the distillery and sample their finest whisky’s.
6. Ardnahoe Distillery
Ardnahoe is Islay’s ninth and latest whisky distillery, and boy have they set themselves apart. The still house offers simply breathtaking views across the Sound of Islay - truly the most incredible views I’d seen out of all the island distilleries.
The layout of the distillery is thoughtfully designed with the visitor experience in mind. The placement of plant equipment ensures a natural flow for distillery tours, culminating in a beautifully adorned sensory room.
Visitors can indulge in a dram at the bar, savour a bowl of stovies at the café, and then acquire a bottle to take home from the on-site shop. You’ll absolutely love this new Islay distillery!
7. Bruichladdich Distillery
Despite its modern and stylish branding, the Bruichladdich distillery boasts a rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1881. Situated in Rhinns of Islay, Scotland, the distillery produces a diverse range of whiskies, including unpeated varieties, the heavily peated Port Charlotte, and the renowned Octomore, acclaimed as the world's most heavily peated whisky.
In contrast to the older distilleries on Islay, repurposed from ancient farm structures, Bruichladdich stands out as it was constructed using stones sourced from the nearby seashore. The distillery features distinctive tall, bottle-necked stills, contributing to the production of a purer and more original spirit, setting it apart from the output of the traditional farm distilleries on the island.
8. Caol Ila Distillery
Found along the Sound of Islay (with "Caol Ila" translating to "Sound of Islay" in Gaelic), the Caol Ila Distillery, also known as "The Islay Home of Johnnie Walker," is conveniently located just a short drive or a leisurely stroll from Port Askaig. The still house offers a spectacular view of the Jura Paps, and the recent addition of a new visitor centre in 2022 enhances the distillery experience.
It wasn't until 2002 that Caol Ila Distillery released its own Caol Ila single-malt, starting with the Caol Ila 12-year-old. Prior to 2002, independent bottlers exclusively handled single-malt Caol Ila releases.
In 1972-74, extensive renovations saw the replacement of most original structures, enhancing layout efficiency. Check out this uniquely places and constructed whisky distillery!
9. Kilchoman Distillery
Established in 2005 on Rockside Farm on the western side of the peninsula, Kilchoman Distillery has made a mark. Despite cultivating grain near the Rhinns of Islay, the farm's yield falls short of meeting the distillery's demands. Nevertheless, Kilchoman's 100% Islay is crafted exclusively from Optic and Publican barley varieties grown on their farm.
Now in its eleventh edition, Kilchoman's 100% Islay sets itself apart. In a departure from earlier releases, the distillery has recently ventured into experimenting with maturation in various sherry casks alongside ex-bourbon barrels. They proudly label it "100% Islay" because it stands as "Scotland’s only single farm single malt," with every aspect of the process, including malting, conducted on-site.
And there you have it, fellow whisky enthusiasts – the crème de la crème of Islay's illustrious distilleries. The Isle of Islay, a haven for Scotch aficionados, can only be experienced fully through these nine distinct distilleries. It might be a relatively small island, but with 143 whisky distilleries across Scotland, having 9 on Islay feels like a remarkable concentration of liquid gold.
At Scotland’s Wild we appreciate the value of our countries plethora of whisky distilleries and we know how much you love it, too! That’s why we’ve created a 4-day Islay tour that you can take from either Glasgow or Edinburgh. Get an expert Scotland & Whisky guide to take you around to some of the best distilleries in the world.
Alternatively, we do private tours where you can head to any of the distilleries in Scotland that take your fancy. We’ll create a completely unique, customised itinerary for your and your travelling companions. Just click the picture below and get in touch!
