Bowmore Distillery

Located on the shores of Loch Indaal, Bowmore is Islay’s oldest legal distillery. Founded in 1779, the small farm was originally used for farming. A change of ownership occurred in 1837 when William and James Mutter took over and expanded the distillery. The Royal Air Force Costal Command occupied the distillery buildings during World War II to combat enemy submarines but the distillery remained in the Morrison family until Japanese Suntory bought it in 1994.

Approximately two million litres of alcohol are produced by Bowmore each year. The distillery is one of the few still using malting floors, with phenol levels of 18/25 parts per million. As a result of the malt being dried over peat fire, whisky is infused with a smoky peat flavour. The River Laggan provides water for two wash stills and two spirit stills. The stills are pear shaped, not very tall and the lyne arm rises after the neck and does not have pieces that increase the reflux. It results in a distillery character that is rough, spicy, and intense.

A cold and humid environment is used to mature whisky in flat dunnages. Saltiness and marine flavors are attributed to the warehouses’ proximity to the sea. Among the legendary vaults, the No. 1 has the distinction of being the only one below sea level.

Bourbon casks are mainly used to create sweet vanilla flavours, although sherry barrels can also be found to impart intense flavours of dried fruits.

To satisfy an eclectic range of tastes and budgets, there are many whiskies bottled of varying ages and finishes.

A significant percentage of the make is aged in ex-Sherry butts which take Bowmore off in another direction. Peat smoke, salt, and seaweed are the distinctive characteristics of Bowmore Single Malt Whiskies, which are milder than those of the three southern Kildalton distilleries. The extensive range picks and chooses between these extremes.

Approximately 40% of the distillery’s whisky is matured on the island, with the distillery’s No.1 Vaults having an exceptional microclimate. This chill, damp environment of the vault is achieved by being below the level of Loch Indaal which is seen as ideal for long-term maturation.

Several distillery-exclusive bottlings and Feis Ile special releases can be found within the recently remodeled visitor center overlooking scenic Loch Indaal.