Scottish Hotel Accommodation

Malt Whisky Distilleries in Argyll, Scotland

The production of malt whisky is an integral part of Scottish life. Once you have discovered whisky you will find that it is a fascinating subject with its roots steeped in history and tradition.

We have listed below details of malt whisky distilleries local to us - we recommend you visit at least one during your stay with us. It is a unique experience that you will never forget.

Glen Scotia - An all too easily overlooked malt. Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia started life in a cottage-like building in Campbeltown. Tragically, a previous owner drowned himself in Campbeltown Loch after being cheated out of a large sum of money. Region: Highlands, District: Campbeltown, Character: Full, gold, long and powerful.

Oban Distillery - Oban. The Oban distillery was founded in 1794 and a few years later the town of Oban began to spring up around it. This is the reason for the existence of a distillery in the centre of a modern town, overlooking the harbour. The distillery was closed from 1931 to1937 but was reopened in 1972 with a new still house after a three-year silent period. The whisky is bottled as Oban - Aged 14 years old.

Springbank - Campbeltown, on the southern tip of the Kintyre Peninsula, used to be one of Scotland’s most prolific whisky making areas. So much so that Campbeltown whiskies were regarded as being in a class of their own. Springbank, the only survivor, still maintains the ancient traditions to produce some of the most distinctive malt whiskies in Scotland. Region: Highlands, District: Campbeltown, Character: briny with vanilla and coconut.

Ardbeg - The distillery lies on the southern shore of Islay and was founded in 1815, but its origins are even older. It is known that illicit distilling took place in the area for centuries before that. Region: Islay, District: South Shore, Character: Robust, peaty with a hefty bite

Bowmore - aromatic malt with finesse and intense character. One of the great distilleries situated in the village of Bowmore - 'capital' of Islay. Waters rise from peat and flow, by way of the river Laggan, for about eight miles to the distillery. Region: Islay, District: Loch Indaal, Character: Gold, full with aromatic heathery smokiness

Bunnahabhainn - The northernmost of Islay's distilleries, on the island's eastern shore overlooking the Sound of Jura. It is, quite literally, the end of the road: north of the distillery is nothing but the wild headland of Rudha a' Mhˆil. Region: Islay, District: East Shore, Character: Lightly nutty with a fresh saltiness

Bruichladdich - Good malt for the newcomer to Islay. Founded in 1881 and extended in 1975, little has changed. Bruichladdich's stills still have the distinctive long necks and it is now the most westerly-working distillery in Scotland. Region: Islay, District: Loch Indaal, Character: Pale, light with a hint of seaweed

Caol Ila - Originally established in 1846, the distillery is named after the narrow strip of water that separates Islay from Jura on whose shore it sits, near the tiny ferry terminal at Port Askaig. Region: Islay, District: Loch nam Ban, Character: Sweet floral fragrances, firm body and light smoke.

Lagavulin - The classic Islay malt. Lagavulin, meaning 'the hollow where the mill is' has been at its current site since the early 1800's. With an astonishing pungent bouquet and a long powerful finish, this is a firm favourite with the discerning whisky drinker. Region: Islay, District: South Shore, Character: Amber, powerful and peaty

Laphroaig - Medicinal character for the devotee. Built in 1820, Laphroaig was founded by the Johnson family. With an intense oily body and high phenol content, Laphroaig is still one of the most requested of Islay malts. Region: Islay, District: South Shore, Character: Gold, rounded with seaweed

Jura - Inner Hebridean island distillery founded in 1810 and rebuilt in 1876. Lightly peated malt is used and the water flows primarily over rock. Long necked stills produce a light clean spirit. Region: Highlands (Islands), District: Jura, Character: Golden, malt saltiness.

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