West Coast Whisky Trail
Carbost, Isle of Skye
T.01478 614308
e.dorothy.morrison@diageo.com
web.http://www.malts.com
About Us
No visit to the Isle of Skye would be complete without a pilgrimage to Talisker, the only distillery on the Misty Isle where you can see distillers at work, creating Talisker, a single malt like no other. This alluring, sweet, full-bodied spirit is so easy to enjoy, and like Skye itself, so hard to leave.
Enjoy a complimentary dram before your tour and take time to gaze upon the dramatic Cuillins across the waters of Loch Harport. A warm welcome awaits you.
There is an admission charge, which includes a discount voucher on the adult ticket only. This is a redeemable in the distillery shop towards the purchase of a 70cl bottle of single malt whisky. Children under 8 years are welcome but are not admitted to the production areas.
Distillery Opening Times:
November & December: Mon - Fri: By Appointment
January - March 14th: Mon - Fri: Set tours at 1.30pm & 3.30pm
March 17th to October 31st: Mon - Sat: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Last Tour: 4.00pm
July & August only: Sundays: 12.30pm - 5.00pm
Last Tour: 4.00pm
Tour costs:
Adult admission charge of £5.00
Children (8-17 years) admission charge of £2.50
Lochy Bridge, Fort William, Inverness-shire
T.01397 700200
e.sales@bennevisdistillery.com
web.http://www.bennevisdistillery.com
About us
Ben Nevis distillery, located 2 miles north from centre of Fort William, was founded by "Long John" MacDonald in 1825, one of the earliest licensed distilleries in the country and the first in Lochaber. The water used in the production process is drawn directly from Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis at 4406' above sea level.
The distillery employs a total of 18 staff who work together to produce their full flavoured malt whisky and also ensure that you are welcomed to visit our production facility, tea room and shop, where you will see our audio visual presentation, taste our whisky and be able to buy from our range of whiskies, books and whisky related items.
Chief Guide - John Carmichael
Distillery opening hours:
All year, Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Easter to Sept, Saturday 10am - 4pm
July and August, Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 12pm - 4pm
Tour times and costs:
£4 per adult (redeemable in shop on selected range)
£2 per child
tours bookable in advance
Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Argyllshire, PA75 6NR
T.01688 302 645
e.tobermory10@aol.com
web.http://www.burnstewartdistillers.com
About us
Tobermory Distillery lies towards the northern end of the Isle of Mull, one of Scotland's most rugged and windswept west coast islands. The Distillery, the only one on the island, was built in 1798 and is situated at the southern end of the harbour. This charming bay is home to one of the most colourful villages in Europe.
Tobermory comes from the Gaelic word meaning "well of Mary".
Just like Tobermory bay, the Tobermory 10 year old malt whisky is indeed "a golden treasure". Its wonderfully unique and mysterious character will surprise discerning malt lovers the world over. The distillery has a small but well stocked shop and welcomes visitors wishing to take a guided tour of the site, enjoying a dram at the same time.
Call today for a brochure.
Distillery opening hours:
All year Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm, Saturdays summer only
Tour times and costs:
Mon - Fri hourly from 11am to 4pm. £3.30 per adult, £1.50 for OAP's, and children over 9. £2.50 voucher redeemable in their shop on bottle on 70cl whisky.
Stafford St, Oban, Argyllshire
T.01631 572002
e.carol.j.bennett@diageo.com
web.http://www.malts.com
About us
Oban Distillery takes its name from the town where the Highlands meet the Islands. Nestling beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban, one of Scotland's oldest sources of single malt whisky is but a stone's throw from the sea. This coastal location is accurately reflected by the character of the Oban 14 year old single malt whisky. At Oban Distillery you can see the distillers at work crafting a rich, sweet malt whisky with a subtle hint of sea salt and peaty smokiness.
The adult admission charge includes a discount voucher, redeemable in the well stocked distillery shop towards the purchase of a 70 cl bottle of single malt whisky. Children under 8 years are welcome but are not admitted to the production areas. In winter or when traveling any distance it is advisable to book tours in advance.
Distillery opening hours:
Jan. closed, Feb. Mon-Fri 12.30pm - 4pm. March to Easter Mon-Fri 10am - 5pm. Easter to June Mon-Fri 9.30am - 5pm. July to September Mon-Fri 9.30am - 7.30pm, Saturday 9.30am - 5pm and Sunday 12pm - 5pm. October Mon-Fri 9.30am - 5pm. November Mon-Fri 10am - 5pm. December Mon-Fri 12.30pm - 4pm
Tour times and costs:
£6 per adult and £3 per child 8-17 (no under 8's), voucher redeemable in shop.
Special offers:
Free whisky related gift per tour, tasting direct from cask with food included.
Port Askaig, Isle of Islay
T.01496 840646
e.john.maclellan@burnstewartdistillers.com
web.http://www.bunnahabhain.com
About us
The Bunnahabhain (pronounced Bu-na-ha-venn) Distillery rests peacefully on the sheltered north-eastern coast of Islay, overlooking stunning views out to the Paps of Jura (a range of hills on a sister island). This quietly remote and inoffensive area provides great solitude for all who visit her, an idyllic place for Scotch whisky distillation. It was built late 19th century, in 1881, close to the mouth of the Margadale River, hence the name (Bunnahabhain means "mouth of the river" from the Gaelic tongue).
The Bunnahabhain 12 year old is quite distinct from the other single malts of the island, given the wonderfully gentle taste profile for which it is known.
The distillery has a small but well stocked shop and four beautiful cottages to let all year round.
Distillery opening hours:
All year Mon - Fri, 9am - 4.30pm - Closed 2 weeks for Christmas
Tour times and costs:
Easter - October 10.30am, 2pm and 3.15pm
November - Easter by appointment only
£4 per adult (£2 voucher redeemable on bottle of Bunnahabhain)
Under 18's free
Craighouse, Isle of Jura, Argyll
T.01496 820240
e.info@isleofjura.com
web.http://www.isleofjura.com
About us
Off the west coast of Scotland lies a magical island of soft sea breezes, where one community works together with whisky distilling at its heart.
The Isle of Jura Distillery:
The tall elegant stills at Jura allow only the finest distillation to progress into the malt and through at least 10 years of changing seasons, Isle of Jura matures, shaped by the soft sea breezes and damp temperate micro-climate, into the refined malt which finally emerges. The result is a unique Single Malt which truly represents our island home, its land, water, climate and people.
Come visit. You will always find a warm welcome
Distillery opening hours:
Easter - October Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm.
Tour times and costs:
No charge. Easter - October Mon - Fri 11am and 2pm, October - Easter tours by appointment. No under 8's
Rockside Farm, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay
T.01496 850011
e.info@kilchomandistillery.com
web.http://www.kilchomandistillery.com
About Us
Kilchoman is the first distillery to be built on Islay for 125 years and is now the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Established in 2005 by Anthony Wills it takes the art of whisky production back to its roots by being the only distillery that does the whole production process on site from growing the barley to eventually bottling the mature whisky - 100% Islay from barley to bottling.
Production is small and about 800 casks will be filled annually when in full production. The first bottling will take place in 2009.
A shop and cafe form part of the operation, so come and have a coffee, a bite to eat and tour the smallest and most unique distillery in Scotland.
Distillery Opening Times
Nov to March: Mon - Fri 10am to 5pm
April to October: Mon - Sat 10am to 5pm
Tour times and costs:
Tours at 11am and 3pm.
Tours cost £3.50 per adult, under 18's must be with an accompanying adult, Shop and cafe open at no charge to enter.
Special features:
Coming soon.
School Street, Bowmore, Isle of Islay
T.01496 810441
e.bowmore.distillery@morrisonbowmore.com
web.http://www.bowmore.com
About Us
Bowmore is Islay's oldest distillery, and it is here that you will see traditional whisky making in its full glory - from the rare sight of the malting of the barley, to the peat fired kilns, to the famous warehouses by the shores of Loch Indaal.
The elegant Visitor Centre provides the ultimate in deep comfort - the ideal place to linger, and admire the views across Loch Indaal. And whether you are a guest at the beautifully renovated distillery cottages, taking part in the range of tours, or simply relaxing and browsing in the Visitor Centre, you are guaranteed the warmest of welcomes at Bowmore and, of course, a taste of what is regarded as one of the world's finest single malts. Slainte!
Distillery Opening Times
Easter to June: Mon - Sat 9am to 5pm
July to mid September: Mon - Sun 9am to 5pm
Mid Sept to Easter Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 12pm.
Tour times and costs:
Free to enter shop and visitor centre
Easter to June 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm.
July to mid Sept tours all day
Mid Sept to Easter Mon - Fri 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm, Sat 10am.
Booking preferred. Groups of 15 people must book in advance.
£4 per adult, £2 concessions and under 18's are free.
Special features:
Tasting on all tours
Private tour called the "Craftsman Tour" taken by the manager which is £22 per adult, under 18's free but must be with a paying adult, by appointment only. Tastings include our 12 year old whisky.
Lochranza, Isle of Arran
T.01770 830264
e.visitorcentre@arranwhisky.com
web.http://www.arranwhisky.com
About Us
The Isle of Arran Distillery is one of the newest distilleries in Scotland the first spout was turned on 29th June 1995. Since then many awards and much acclaim have been achieved for the quality of the whisky produced and our export endeavours.
The visitor centre is home to a display area, shop, restaurant, 30 foot waterfall and barley field. The tour starts in an 18th century Crofters Inn, where visitors can see a presentation about whisky making in the past and present. Professionally trained guides then inform you how we make whisky.
After the tour enjoy a meal in the fully licensed restaurant while watching the deer and eagles in their natural surroundings.
Distillery and Visitor Centre Opening Hours
March to October, Mon - Sat 10.30am to 6pm
Sunday 11am to 6pm.
Tour times and costs:
No charge to enter. Tours are hourly: 10.30am - 4.30pm £4.00 per adult, £3.00 seniors and students, children under 12 free. Groups of 15+ £2.50pp by appt
There is a shop and large restaurant (last orders for hot food 4.30pm).
Special features:
We feature a 'malt of the month' and offer visitors the chance to 'write your own label' for birthdays, weddings, etc.
Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
T.01496 302418
e.caroline.morris@beamglobal.com
web.http://www.laphroaig.com
About Us
Established in 1815 by the Johnston brothers, Laphroaig means "the beautiful hollow by the broad bay in Gaelic" and remains the home of the no.1 Islay malt scotch whisky.
Today we still cut our own Islay peat by hand to dry our barley and with traditional floor maltings, large stone, dunnage warehouses and our magnificent 7 Stills, the distillery remains true to the principles by which it was established. Friends of Laphroaig are particularly welcome (many borrow a tape measure and find their plot next to the distillery!)
Opening and Tour Times
Mon- Fri: 9am - 5pm
Tours times and costs:
Spring: 10.15 and 14.15
June to Sept: 11.45 and 15.30 (Mon-Fri) and 10am Saturday. All tours by appt. only. Shop open 11.30 to 13.00 June to Sept.
£2.00 entry charge (visitors receive a voucher which they can redeem in the shop) children welcome, free of charge.
Pleasecall us on 01496 302418 to book a place or email Caroline.morris@beamglobal.com
Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
T.01496 302730
e.rosie.johnston@diageo.com
web.http://www.malts.com
About us
A visit to Lagavulin (pronounced 'Laggavoolin), home to the definitive Islay malt whisky is an experience to savour. Take a tour of the distillery, see our distillers at work and view the unusual pear shaped stills. Peated malt, slow distillation and long maturation together ensure Lagavulin develops a complex, rich, peaty character. Lagavulin is a spirit which likes to take its time.
There is an adult admission charge which includes a discount voucher,redeemable in the distillery shop t owards the purchase of a 70cl bottle of single malt whisky. Children under 8 years are not admitted to the production areas.
Distillery opening hours:
All year Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm, closed Christmas and New Year
Tour times and costs:
All year Mon - Fri 9.30am, 11.15am and 2.30pm, May - September Saturday 9.30am and 11.15am. All tours by appointment. £4 per adult, under 16's free (no under 8's)
The Tasting Room, 9 Bolgram Street, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6EX
T.01586 551710
e.info@kilkerran.com
web.http://www.the-tastingroom.com
About us
March 25th 2004 was a momentous day for J & A Mitchell & Co Ltd, the people of Campbeltown and the whisky industry. The opening of Mitchell's Glengyle Distillery, the first distillery opened this millenium, removed any doubt over Campbeltown's status as one of the great whisky producing regions.
Opened in 1872 by William Mitchell, of the Springbank Mitchells, the Distillery closed in 1925. It then fell into disuse, until the building was purchased in 2000, by William's Great Great nephew. New distilling equipment was installed, and the first distillation heralded a new dawn for this once great region.
Visitors are welcome at the modern, compact distillery, which produces Kilkerran Single Malt, scheduled to be bottled for the first time in 2012.
Distillery opening hours:
All year Mon - Fri 10am to 2pm
Tour times and costs:
Mon - Fri £5 per adult, under 18's free, tours by appointment only.
Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
T.01496 302244
e.jthomson@glenmorangie.co.uk
web.http://www.ardbeg.com
About Us
Ardbeg is, perhaps, the most peaty malt whisky in the world - certainly of all the Islay Malts. Not to mention beautifully balanced, deep and complex.
In 1981 production ceased and the distillery was mothballed. Happily the distillery was purchased by Glenmorangie in 1997 and since then the distillery and brand of Ardbeg have flourished and grown. The distillery has been revived, repaired and restored and the visitor centre, housed under the old pagoda roofs, is a hub of activity for visitors and locals alike. The food in the Old Kiln Cafe has become legendary and Ardbeg Distillery looks like it has a bright future once again.
Distillery Opening Hours:
Sept to May 10am - 4pm, Mon - Fri
June, July and August 10am - 5pm 7 days a week.
Shop and restaurant open same times.
Please note that the distillery closes during the Christmas holiday period
Tour times and costs:
Sept to May 10.30am and 3pm.
June, July and August 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. Entrance fee can be redeemed in shop against purchases over £20
£4.00 (for over 18's)
Special features:
Varies, depending on the time of year. Please enquire. The Cafe at Ardbeg is excellent, offering a range of hot and cold home cooked dishes, teas, coffees and snacks.
Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay
T.01496 850221
e.mary@bruichladdich.com
web.http://www.bruichladdich.com
About Us
A bustling place of barley, barrels and bottles where 40 islanders distil, warehouse, bottle and export 'The Laddie' from this private distillery to around the world. Built in 1881 on the shores of Lochindaal, 'brook-laddie' benefits from an inspirational layout influenced by a century of distilling experience prior to construction.
The original machinery has been deliberately retained. Manually operated and computer-free, it produces the purest spirit in Scotland (Scotch Whisky Companion 2005) This artisanal approach is enhanced by including organic barley, grown on 11 farms both on Islay and the Scottish mainland - each origin distilled separately. Islay's Atlantic climate influences maturation while natural bottling, without colouring or chill-filtration accentuates the sophisticated flavours of the 'wine drinker's dram'. Distillery-only bottlings available.
Distillery and Shop Opening times
Easter to October: Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 4pm, October to Easter: Mon - Fri 9am to 5, Sat 10am to 2pm.
Tour times and costs:
Summer: Mon - Fri 10.30am, 11.30am and 2.30pm, Sat 10.30am and 2.30pm
Winter: Mon - Fri 11.30am and 2.30pm, Sat 11.30.
Tours cost £5 per adult (redeemable in the shop on bottle of whisky) under 18's free accompanying an adult.
No charge to enter or visit shop. Bookings preferable as spaces limted, groups must book in advance.
Special features:
You can fill your own bottle from the cask in the shop.
For those with a thirst for knowledge, Bruichladdich provide the Ultimate Whisky Experience: Make Your Own Whisky.
The Acadamy is available for the public and trade alike wanting to learn considerably more about single malt whisky, Bruichladdich provides the rare opportunity to experience 'hands-on' the art of distilling - the Victorian way.
Stay for 4 nights in the Distillery Manager's house, limited to a maximum of 6 guests, you will work alongside our craftsmen on a one-to-one basis as they go about their craft of milling, mashing, distilling, tasting and bottling our whisky.
The Academy season runs from April to November at a cost of £795 per person. Contact Ella on +44 (0)1496 850 910 or by email ella@bruichladdich.com
Port Askaig, Isle of Islay
T.01496 302760
e.flora.macaffer@diageo.com
web.http://www.malts.com
About Us
A visit to Caol Ila (pronounced "cull-eela") situated on the north eastern shores of Islay, reveals two of the finest views in the world of whisky.
Here you can see distillers at work, tending the six copper stills, a treat in itself. Turn around and you can look out across the Sound of Islay to the spectacular Paps of Jura. As you savour the distinctive flavour of your complimentary dram, you can absorb the breathtaking views across the Sound to Jura. Slainte.
Caol Ila is open to the general public on selected days between April & October on a By Appointment Only basis. There is an adult admission charge which includes a discount voucher, redeemable in the well stocked distillery shop towards the purchase of a 70cl bottle of single malt whisky.
Distillery opening times:
April to Nov: Mon - Fri 9am to 4pm, closed weekends. Nov to March: Please enquire before arriving.
Tour times and costs:
Tours at 9.30am, 10.45am, 1.45pm and 3pm.
£4 per adult, under 18's free with an adult, no children under 8 on tours.
£1 voucher redeemable in shop on bottle of 75cl whisky.
Special features:
Free tasting
The Tasting Room, 9 Bolgram Street, Campbeltown, Argyll, PA28 6EX
T.01586 551710
e.tours@jandamitchell.com
web.http://www.springbankwhisky.com
About us
Founded in 1828, Springbank is Scotland oldest family owned distillery. Fiercely independent, our Single Malts are produced using traditional Victorian techniques and equipment.
A visit to Springbank is a must for any whisky fan. Traditional floor maltings, open topped mash tun, a belt driven mill, boatskin larch wash backs, and a direct fired wash still combine to produce the most "handcrafted" whisky on the market Springbank uses 100% Scottish Barley, including an increasing proportion of local barley. The barley is malted, then distilled, matured and bottled on site. Three different Single Malts are produced using three different production techniques. Springbank is lightly peated and distilled two and-a-half times. Longrow is heavily peated and distilled twice and Hazelburn is unpeated and triple distilled.
For information about tours/ tastings or to book a place on a Springbank tour please phone +44 (0) 1586 552085
e-mail tours@jandamitchell.com
For any enquiries about the on-line shop and information about pending orders
phone +44 (0) 1586 551710 - ask for Mail order person
Any enquiries from Springbank Society members
phone +44 (0) 1586 554761
e-mail society@springbankwhisky.com
Distillery opening times:
All year Mon-Fri 10am tp 2pm
Tour times and costs:
£5per adult, under 18's free. Tours Mon- Fri by appointment only.