Isle of Islay Whisky Tour
A whisky tour of Islay as part of your private adventure tour of Scotland is a fantastic way to get to know the history and the charm of one of Scotland’s oldest and most successful industries. This example itinerary would take you to Islay via the dramatic landscapes and sea lochs of the Argyll Peninsula. We’d pass through the beautiful village of Luss on Loch Lomond, and travel over the famous Rest & Be Thankful mountain pass.
On Islay, your knowledgeable local guide will get you close to the action and give you a personal insight into the wealth of history, traditions, and craftsmanship of whisky creation. You will learn about the distilling process, experience the heady atmosphere, and see the inside of the stills. Towards the end of your tour you will of course have the opportunity to taste the whisky (or “uisge beatha” in Gaelic).
Islay, commonly known as “Whisky Island”, is a unique Hebridean Island off the southwest coast of Scotland. This wild and rugged island is home to no less than nine world renowned distilleries that most whisky drinkers would recognise by name.
Ardbeg was reopened in 1997 after decades of inactivity and neglect. This 200-year-old distillery proudly claims to produce the smokiest malt whisky in the world.
Ardnahoe in Port Askaig is Islay’s newest distillery that opened in 2018 and is wholly family owned. The distillery draws water to produce Ardnahoe spirit from the eponymous Loch Ardnahoe, which lies a stone’s throw from the distillery.
Bowmore, (Gaelic for “great reef”), is the oldest legal distillery on Islay, having been built in 1779.
Bruichladdich was Islay’s first “purpose-built” distillery which opened in 1881.
Bunnahabhain’s wonderful distillery offers some of the most scenic views on Islay.
Caol lla distillery is the largest on Islay, producing up to 3 million litres of whisky per year. Located on the north eastern shores, the distillery has magnificent views across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura.
Kilchoman, built in 2005 and located in the North West of the island in close proximity to one of Islay’s most spectacular beaches, Machir Bay.
Lagavulin is the oldest working distillery on the island. Historic records show that illegal distilling went on here as far back as 1742.
Laphroaig have been producing their distinctive whisky since 1815 at the head of Loch Laphroaig in Islay’s South Coast.
Islay Ales Micro Brewery in Bridgend is not a distillery, but a small, traditional brewery producing a range of quality ales.
