Lagavulin Distillery
Situated at the picturesque Lagavulin Bay, this is an experience not to be missed. Take a tour of the distillery, see our distillers at work and view the unusual pear shaped stills. In 1742 there were at least ten illicit stills at Lagavulin, and it would be another 74 years until local farmer John Johnston founded the first legal distillery, in sight of Dunyvaig Castle. Its name may have changed over the years, but the quiet power of peat and smoke that pervades this masculine malt has not.
Peated malt, slow distillation and long maturation together ensure Lagavulin develops a complex, rich, peaty character. Lagavulin is a spirit which likes to take its time. The definitive Islay malt—intensely flavoured, smoky and rich. The windswept Isle of Islay instils a strength of character into everything it produces and it's here, nestled in a small bay that the beloved Lagavulin whisky has been made for over 200 years.
Address:
Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7DZ
This distillery is included as part of our Discovering Islay Tour 2.
Located 2 miles from Port Ellen one of Islay’s main sea-ports.
Opening Times:
- Opening hours vary. Please visit Lagavulin website for more information.
Podcast:
We interviewed Pierrick Guillaume, Distillery Manager at the Lagavulin Distillery in our November 2021 podcast.
Pierrick talks about the sights, sounds and smells of Islay, why he loves working at the Lagavulin Distillery and the journey that brought him there, and why he’s taken the Lagavulin 12 year old on holiday with him.
Tours:
LAGAVULIN CLASSIC TOUR £22
See the process behind our whisky, experience our captivating still house and enjoy breath taking views on a guided tour around our award-winning distillery. This comprehensive experience comprises of a guided tour, three-dram tutored tasting (including a sample of our Distillery Exclusive bottling
Duration: 1hr 30mins
LAGAVULIN DISTILLERY EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE £110
Ideal for enthusiasts and those looking for an elevated whisky experience. Beginning with a portion of our production tour (including a visit to our iconic Still House) this premium tasting takes place in our Mackie Lounge, comprising of of four distillery exclusive bottlings and an exquisite single cask sample. To conclude this outstanding experience, you will hand fill a 20cl bottle of the single cask.
Duration: 2hrs
WAREHOUSE NO.3 EXPERIENCE £60
Join us in our newly renovated Warehouse No3 for a Lagavulin cask draw experience. This experience offers a unique opportunity to draw Lagavulin directly from the cask and taste the different stages of its maturation, providing a deeper understanding of the story behind our spirit. Savour Lagavulin straight from a selection of refill hogsheads and rejuvenated red wine casks. Discover the full depth of flavour as our expert host guides you through the rich authentic character of our spirit. Learn how time, wood and craftmanship shape every dram, where the essence of our whisky comes to life.
Duration: 1hr 25mins
