Located on the south eastern shore of Loch Indaal, Bowmore Distillery was established in 1779 by local merchant John P. Simpson. Steeped in history, Bowmore is one of the few distilleries left in Scotland that produces its own floor malted barley which is hand turned by maltmen using traditional tools every four hours. Fermentation is undertaken in traditional wooden washbacks and the distillery’s Legendary No.1 Vault is the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland. Visitors can view this laborious, time-honoured process during one of the distillery’s popular tours which includes an informative video presentation and a complimentary dram. A specialist ‘Craftsman’s Tour’ is also available which offers visitors a hands-on experience of the whisky making process. One of Islay’s more moderately flavoured whiskies, Bowmore offers single malt at a range of ages from 12 years old to 25 or more which can be purchased at the distillery shop.
"...all the joys of the three malting floors are there to see and savour.
The mash house is one of the prettiest, boasting two huge `coppers' for heating the water and a mash tun with a graceful canopy, hand-riveted in 1947. "...A final treat is nosing the `angels share' in the traditional warehouse - little wonder that the Queen has had a cask here since 1980."
Graham, The Malt Advocate 2004'
Visit Bowmore Distillery and receive the warmest welcome on Islay. Take a tour, have a wee dram, and see our shop.
Getting Here
By Road and Ferry
If you plan to drive here, Calmac operate a two-hour ferry crossing from Kennacraig on the Kintyre Peninsula to Islay. For further information, visit www.calmac.co.uk
By Air
Loganair operates twice daily flights from Glasgow to Islay, taking just 35 minutes to get here. For further information, visit www.loganair.co.uk