Bowmore Distillery — Attraction in Islay

Update: I am happy to correct my rating, as Bowmore has been very accommodating and has even refunded the amount. This is certainly not self-evident and I thank you very much for the concession

Today I visited Bowmore at short notice and was initially pleased that I was able to attend the No. 1 Vaults Warehouse Tasting at equally short notice. The welcome at the reception was friendly and informative. After the actual tasting, however, I regretted having spent the £60. My disappointment was not based on the quality of the whiskies on offer; that Bowmore produces quite excellent whiskies is entirely indisputable, but my expectations of the warehouse tasting were not met. On the one hand, this was due to the guide, who did not seem very motivated. Of course, she accurately passed on the given information to the participants, but unfortunately not much more. I missed the passion that I had experienced on tours of other distilleries. What I missed even more was one or three small sips of water. Having visitors taste three whiskies at cask strength at a warehouse tasting, with the aim of choosing one of them for their own bottling, is something that unfortunately doesn't work well without water, nor is it enjoyable. Every other distillery on the island is able to offer water to the guests. After Warehouse, the group would be led to the bar with no further information on what would happen next. As no seats had been reserved in the bar for the tasting group, they had to sit at different tables. With a little more organisation and effort, this could have been a nice ending. The box in which you take the whisky with you is at least quite pretty and extensively equipped. Nevertheless, I left the bar with a "No more...

Historic, atmospheric, and beautifully balanced — a classic Islay experience

Visiting Bowmore Distillery is like stepping into whisky history. As the oldest licensed distillery on Islay (established in 1779!), it offers an authentic and atmospheric experience right in the heart of Bowmore village, with stunning views over Loch Indaal.

Bowmore’s whisky is beautifully balanced — a gentler, more elegant take on Islay peat. The 12 Year Old is a classic, while expressions like the 15 Year Darkest and various limited editions showcase deeper sherry influence and complexity.

The visitor centre is well designed, and the shop has a great selection — including distillery exclusives that are well worth picking up.

Bowmore is a must for any whisky lover — not just for the quality of the spirit, but for the deep sense of place and tradition. A timeless distillery with a truly...

Best distillery on Islay! I know, what a claim to make right? Seriously though, it's the oldest on the island (and one of the oldest in Scotland) and offers a visitor centre, shop and tours and afa fine whisky. We had our two children so were unable to go on the tour, but the staff were still great and I was even allowed to sample a couple of drams (full measures too!). Needless to say a bottle was purchased (I recommend the 10 year 'dark & intense' which has been in both Spanish Oak Sherry casks and Hogsheads.)

The only downside is the lack of parking. Not sure why they're no longer allowing public to park in the car park, but it's a bit of a rammy around the square outside. For a building that's been around since the late 1700s though you can understand why cars weren't a...