Programme 1
Ardnahoe Distillery
Set just in front of the breathtaking landscape that is the Paps of Jura, we were lucky enough to witness this place as the sun was starting to set in late afternoon. One of the highlights of our trip, the beauty of Scotland, and specifically Islay, were none more so highlighted than when we witness the Ardnahoe Distillery on our travels.
Ashlin Express
After a day of relaxed golfing, there is no better way to relax than spending it speeding down the coastline on the way on the Ashline Express. Don't let the peaceful photograph fool you, when this boat travels at high speed, it is something to behold! We recommend not wearing a cap on this excursion, but the inside is also beautifully decorated if the weather is not quite as good.
Bowmore Distillery
Set in the quaint town which shares the name, Bowmore distillery was founded in 1779 and is the oldest distillery on Islay. One of the most well-known distilleries on the island, their whiskies matured in first fill Bourbon casks are full of the peaty flavour from the local rivers peppered across the island. Bowmore No.1 Malt in particular is very special. Vanilla, cinammon, spice and oak smoke come together in a peat smoked bourbon.
Bruichladdich Distillery
Founded in 1881, when coal was available as an alternative fuel to local peat, Bruichladdich is a name that's known across the globe. The smell of the whisky hits you as soon as you walk nearby, and after tasting the Bruichladdich classic whisky, you can tell that the owners are experts at creating the perfect bottle of whisky, which could be a result of the Victorian machinery still used in the distillery today.
Kilchoman Distillery
One of few distilleries that only produce single malt whisky, they have capitalised on a growing single malt market and have evolved into a distillery that have secured themselves amongst the very best whisky distillers on Islay, even with such stiff competition from the likes of Lagavullin, Ardbeg and more. Producing everything on site, from the barley to the distilling to the final bottle, their Machir Bay range, named after the beautiful Machir Bay nearby, was one of our favourites on our travels. Rich, and delicious!
Lagavulin Distillery
One of the mecca’s of Scottish whisky has to be the stretch of coach just past Port Ellen where three iconic distilleries are located. Lagavulin, Laphroig and Ardbeg are situated within yards of each other on this beautiful stretch of coastline. All three produce the finest single malt with the peaty flavour that is the trademark of Islay whisky. We took a couple of bikes and rode around the Islay whisky trail that is off road and aside from one or two cyclists who possibly had sampled a little too much of the whisky trail is was fun and safe.