Port Ellen Distillery
Reborn after more than four decades of closure, The Port Ellen distillery is re-envisioned, drawing on a pioneering past for generations to enlighten the distillery’s trailblazing future and destined to push the boundaries of Scotch through experimentation.
Be one of the first to visit the re-envisioned Port Ellen Distillery after more than four decades of closure. Discover stories of how Port Ellen Distillery has been steadily creating a trailblazing legacy since 1825. Online booking coming soon.
Address:
Kiln Square, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7AF
This distillery is included as part of our Discovering Islay Tour 2.
Opening Times:
- A visit to Port Ellen is available by appointment only.
The Port Ellen distillery is reborn after more than four decades of closure in a historic moment for Islay, Scotch and the wider whisky world. Designed from the ground up with discovery in mind, it is destined to push the boundaries of Scotch through experimentation. Join us for the finest moments of Port Ellen’s past and explore the future possibilities of what Port Ellen sets out to create. Glimpse the experimentation and innovation at Port Ellen, as you unearth new insights into the mysteries of scotch.
Experiences:
ATLAS OF SMOKE EXPERIENCE AT PORT ELLEN £900
The Atlas of Smoke is Port Ellen’s mission to push the boundaries of experimentation in Scotch Whisky by investigating the mysterious flavours and dimensions of smoke. This experience offers Port Ellen devotees a next level immersion with a personalised guided tour by the experts on the ground.
Guests will taste the stunning new Port Ellen Gemini twin whiskies, as well as draw direct from an historic cask, nose some of our experimental new make spirit and savour an additional dram.
This private tour allows up to eight guests for a full day, includes a locally sourced lunch inspired by the distillery’s surroundings and is bookable only via the Diageo Private Client team which you can send an enquiry via the website.
Duration: 4hrs
PORT ELLEN OPEN DAYS
Port Ellen will hold a monthly open day to ensure that whisky fans from around the world will have a chance to see inside the re-envisioned distillery and witness Port Ellen spirit be crafted once again.
This will be a chance to meet the team, see inside the still house and learn of the latest experiments that have taken place. Running from June 2024, dates will be released up to a year ahead, bookable online. This will be a complimentary experience.
PORT ELLEN REBORN £250
The Port Ellen Reborn experience is for those looking to learn more about the innovative production process, and celebrated flavour characteristics born within this pioneering distillery.
The experience commences with a behind-the-scenes production tour of the new distillery, reinvisioned for the future. Witness the world’s first Ten Part Spirit Safe in action and enjoy an immersive experience nosing the latest Port Ellen new make spirit in the still house itself, providing significant insight into the focus on innovation at Port Ellen distillery.
Following on from the production tour you will visit one of the famous shoreside warehouses and stand amongst the casks to take part in a guided tasting drawing straight from a 1979 vintage Port Ellen cask. The experience will culminate in tasting overlooking Kilnaughton Bay from inside our private lounge - with a rare tasting experience of a historic Port Ellen release.
Duration: 1hr 30mins
PORT ELLEN 200TH ANNIVERSARY EXPERIENCE £450
A rare chance to celebrate 200 years of Port Ellen. Step inside Port Ellen and discover a remarkable story spanning two centuries. Your host will guide you through its history—from the 1825 founding, through years of closure, to its inspiring rebirth on Islay’s southern shore.
Duration: 2.5 hours
ATLAS OF SMOKE EXPERIENCE AT PORT ELLEN £900
The Atlas of Smoke is Port Ellen’s mission to push the boundaries of Scotch Whisky, exploring the mysterious flavours and dimensions of smoke. This experience offers a next-level immersion with a personalised guided tour by the experts on the ground.
Duration: 4 hours
