Isle of Jura Distillery

Established in 1810 and reborn in 1963, the Jura Distillery has brought life back to the island and the community. And what a success it’s been. Today, almost every family on the island has a member who works in our distillery, with our distillery or in whisky-related tourism.

Because Jura matters more to the people who make it, you can taste their dedication in every sip. We could tell you all about it here, but nothing quite beats discovering our island home for yourself.

Address:

Craighouse, Isle of Jura, Argyll PA60 7XT

This distillery is included as part of our Jura and Northern Islay Tour.

Getting here:

Loganair operates daily flights from Glasgow International Airport to the Isle of Islay or you can drive or cycle and take the Calmac ferry from Kennacraig on the mainland and sail to either Port Ellen (South of Islay) or Port Askaig (East of Islay and the same port from which you sail from Islay to Jura).

Once you arrive on Islay there is a small car ferry which runs between Islay at Port Askaig and Jura at Feolin throughout the day, usually from 7.30am - 6.30pm, but please check the timetable as timings can change subject to the time of year and the weather. For the most up to date timetable, please click here.

If you fancy leaving the car or the bike on the mainland, you can pop over to Jura on the Jura Passenger Ferry which operates a direct route from the stunning mainland town of Tayvallich to Craighouse, the main village of Jura, also where you find us at the distillery. Unfortunately, as this is a 12-person covered rib, no bikes or cars are allowed on this route.

Opening Times:

Mon-Fri: 10am-4pm
Sat-Sun: Closed

Podcast:

In the April 2023 edition of the Distillery Tours podcast we spoke to Andrew Lennie, Single Malt Specialist at Whyte & Mackay.

Andrew tells us all about Jura, Fettercairn and Tamnavulin distilleries; their history, the brilliant malts they produce and why we should visit! He also talks about some of the new expressions we can look forward to tasting in the future.

Experiences:

CLASSIC DISTILLERY TOUR £15

Find out why by joining our classic tour around Jura’s production area where you can experience the sensory elements of a working distillery & learn interesting history behind our single malt. Followed by a tasting of two of our expressions.

Duration: 1hour

WAREHOUSE NO 1 EXPERIENCE £50

Elevate your Jura Experience and visit our best hidden secrets behind Warehouse number 1s doors. Draw from specially selected casks chosen by our Master Blender Joe Ricketts, Kirstie McCallum our Master Whisky Maker and Distillery Manager Graham Geddes. Our Guide will host as you are surrounded by our casks maturing sleepily as they talk you through stories and key differences between Jura and other Single Malts. This is your chance to taste exclusive single cask samples .

Duration: 1 hour

Frequently Asked Questions

What experiences are available at Isle of Jura Distillery?

Isle of Jura Distillery offers guided whisky experiences including the Classic Distillery Tour and the Warehouse No.1 Experience. Visitors can explore this remote island distillery, learn about Jura’s unique production process, discover both peated and unpeated spirit styles, and enjoy guided tastings of Jura single malt whisky, including exclusive cask samples on premium experiences.

How long does an Isle of Jura Distillery tour take?

Most Isle of Jura Distillery experiences last around 1 hour. The Classic Distillery Tour and Warehouse No.1 Experience both typically run for approximately 1 hour each, depending on group size and format.

Is whisky tasting included at Isle of Jura Distillery?

Yes, whisky tasting is included in Isle of Jura Distillery experiences. Guests can enjoy guided tastings of Jura single malt whisky, with premium tours offering additional cask-strength or warehouse samples drawn directly from selected barrels.

Do I need to book Isle of Jura Distillery tours in advance?

Advance booking is strongly recommended for Isle of Jura Distillery tours, particularly in peak travel months, as experiences run at scheduled times and places can be limited due to the island location.

What are the opening hours of Isle of Jura Distillery Visitor Centre?

Isle of Jura Distillery Visitor Centre is generally open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, with tours operating during the day. The distillery shop and visitor centre are typically closed at weekends. Opening times may vary seasonally.

Is Isle of Jura Distillery family friendly?

Isle of Jura Distillery is family friendly in visitor areas such as the shop and reception. However, distillery tours and tastings are intended for adult visitors, with alcohol experiences restricted to those aged 18 and over.

Is Isle of Jura Distillery accessible?

Isle of Jura Distillery offers access to key visitor areas, though some production and warehouse spaces may have uneven surfaces or stairs due to the working nature of the site. Visitors with accessibility requirements are advised to contact the distillery in advance.

Is parking available at Isle of Jura Distillery?

Parking is available for visitors in Craighouse near the distillery, with access arranged around the village visitor centre and nearby facilities. As Jura is a remote island destination, transport planning in advance is recommended.

Does Isle of Jura Distillery have a café or shop?

Isle of Jura Distillery has a visitor shop offering Jura whisky, gifts and distillery exclusives. There is no full café on site, though refreshments may be available depending on the experience or local village facilities.

Where is Isle of Jura Distillery located?

Isle of Jura Distillery is located in Craighouse on the Isle of Jura, off Scotland’s west coast. The island is accessible via ferry from Islay and is known for its remote landscape and small island community.