From beautiful beaches to sobering mountains and wild landscapes, together Islay and Jura provide a truly memorable Scottish Isle experience. Of course, no trip to either the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ or ‘The Isle of the Unexpected’ would be complete without a trip to a distillery…or two…or three! With a combined total of eleven distilleries, to make things a little easier for your head we have done the hard work (or not so hard work) of making our way around each to create the ultimate guide to Islay and Jura’s whisky distilleries. So, without further ado, here are our top picks:
Article originally published by Brightwater Holidays:
https://www.brightwaterholidays.com/ultimate-guide-Islay-and-Juras-whisky-distilleries
Kilchoman distillery
Being Islay’s only distillery to lie inland and being able to boast the only whisky that is 100% Islay produced, Kilchoman distillery is not to be missed. From barley to bottle, Kilchoman’s single and malted whiskies are grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled all at the same Islay site. Thus, a tour around the hands-on distillery gives guests an authentic experience and insight into all that is great about the grassroots traditions of Scottish whisky distilling.
Bowmore distillery
Instantly recognisable by its monochromatic sea wall, Bowmore distillery sits as one of Scotland’s oldest running whisky producers having been established in 1779. With a significant percentage of the distillery’s barley being grown, malted and matured on Islay, Bowmore is sure to whisk you away. Favouring oaken Sherry, Port and Madeira casks for maturation, the island’s capital is certainly producing dram worth singing and dancing about!
Bruichladdich distillery
A stone’s throw away from Bowmore, just across Loch Indaal lies the Bruichladdich distillery. Proud users of the site’s original Victorian machinery, their craftsmanship remains largely unchanged – to the extent that their product is bottled on site using Islay spring water. Famed for its uniquely tall and narrow-necked stills, Bruichladdich is well-worth a tour and its produce worth a taste. From both, you will be received by an elegant expression of Atlantic freshness and a warming fruity embrace.
Laphroaig distillery
Sitting as Islay’s most southerly distillery, Laphroaig is another example of scotch whisky producers who proudly implement traditional methods at every stage. From grain to glass, Laphroaig whisky is handmade – it is only by cutting peat by hand, using the Kilbride stream’s water to tie the product to the land and by hand malting that a true scotch is formed. Complete with seven unique stills, occupied by a strong scent of sea air and detectable by its smooth oak and vanilla characteristics, this is another distillery on our must-see list!
Jura distillery
What Jura might lack in quantity it certainly doesn’t in quality, cue Jura distillery. Established in 1810 and resurrected in 1963 this distillery not only produces some highly commendable produce but stands as a cornerstone of the small local community. Implementing more modern ways of maturing, Jura uses incredibly tall stills to mature both sweeter and smokier varieties. Where most distilleries do either or, Jura commits to both – and does both well. Consequently, this is one distillery you will not want to miss. In fact, no trip to Jura is complete without a tour and taste of their distinctive varieties which have made a name for this small island in the wider whisky world.
Scottish Island Tours – Whisky Tasting on Islay & Jura
If you fancy visiting these distilleries for yourself, why not join Brightwater on their new tour ‘Whisky Tasting on Islay and Jura’ in June? You will taste your way through the smoky malts of Islay and the sweet, peaty offerings of the Jura, as well as navigate the picturesque remote landscapes and scenic channels of both islands.
There will be premium tours of distilleries both young and old, tutored tastings, where you’ll learn how to swirl, smell, sip and swallow like a pro. And, at the end of the day, there’s a hotel bar stocked with rare and valuable whiskies to return to. Bliss.
So, what are you waiting for! Click here to find out more. Better yet, get in touch with Brightwater Holidays today.
A little Tasty 