Bowmore whisky is a well-established Scotch whisky. This article will tell you about the Island – Islay – that the distillery is situated on, as well as information about the distillery itself and the many distillery tours available to the public. As well as the active and disbanded distilleries that made the island their home;
About Islay
Islay is known as Queen of the Hebrides and is the Southernmost island in the Inner Hebrides. Islay has seen its fair share of distilleries over the last 200 years or so. This is due to the land on Islay being extremely fertile and perfect for barley – one of the main grains that is used to make whisky. The scenery on Islay is absolutely remarkable and that, along with the many distilleries brings thousands of people to the island every year.
The Isle of Islay is home to 8 active distilleries, including;
- Ardbeg Distillery (1815-present)
- Bowmore Whisky Distillery (1779-present)
- Bunnahabhain Distillery (1881-present)
- Bruichladdich Distillery (1881-present)
- Caol Ila Distillery (1864-present)
- Kilchoman Distillery (2005-present)
- Lagavulin Distillery (1742-present)
- Laphroaig Distillery (1815-present)
There are also a number of lost distilleries that have shut down over the years, including;
- Malt Mill Distillery (1908-1962, merged with Lagavulin distillery
- Mulindry Distillery (1826-1831, owner went bankrupt)
- Newton Distillery (1819-1837)
- Octomore Distillery (1816-1840, fell into despair after both brothers died)
- Port Ellen Distillery (1825-1980, company, DCL, who owned the distillery closed it in favour of Caol Ila and Lagavulin Distilleries)
- Tallant Distillery (1821-1852, business folded)
- Ardenistiel Distillery (1836-1868, owner become bankrupt and dilapidated buildings that were originally used for the distillery were restored and are now used by Laphroaig Distillery for warehouses and offices)
- Ardmore Distillery / Lagavulin 2 (1817-1837, merged with Lagavulin)
- Bridgend Distillery & Killarow Distillery (unknown-1821, distillery ceased to exist)
- Daill Distillery (1814-1827, difficulties transporting product to mainland markets)
- Lochindaal distillery aka Port Charlotte and Rhinns (1829-1929)
- Lossit Distillery (1826-1844, closed due to being a farm-scale distillery, however, was the longest surviving farm scale distillery of the 19th century)
About Bowmore Whisky Distillery
Bowmore distillery is Islay’s oldest legal distillery on Islay and is situated on Eastern side of the concave that nearly splits Islay in two. Both distillery tours and tasting sessions are available.
Bowmore Whisky Tours
When you go to Bowmore whisky distillery you have the choice of 4 exciting tours, each is specially tailored to give you an insight into this celebrated brand and how the popular Bowmore whisky is made.
Tours range from £10-£125 per person, depending on the duration and inclusions of the tour.
