Bunnahabhain Distillery

This distillery is stunningly located in the north of the island on the shore of the Sound of Islay. It was built in 1881 and initially owned by the Islay Distillery Company, but in 1887 was taken over by the Highland Distilleries Company. Originally it was supplied by ship, but in 1960 a road was built to the distillery. The distillery like many others has changed hands over the years and is currently owned by CVH Spirits. 

Bunnahabhain produces both peated and unpeated spirits. Producing predominantly unpeated spirit and often favouring different sherry maturations, its taste varies greatly from other spirits found on the island.

The distillery produces about 3.3 million litres of alcohol per year. The distillery pipes spring water in from the Margadale River that flows close to the distillery. Their malt is sourced from various companies on the mainland and they can store up to 900 tonnes on site. The mash tun is one of the biggest in Scotland holding up to 15 tonnes. The stills are the tallest on Islay, with unusually long swan necks, so that a lighter, more delicate flavour profile can be produced.

Bunnahabhain makes use of both dunnage and racked-style warehouses storing around 14,600 casks on site. The core Bunnahabhain range is matured predominantly in sherry casks and is known for being unpeated, natural in colour and non-chill filtered.

Common bottlings range from 12 to 40 years old with the former a favourite dram of many Ilich (people on Islay). There are also a few no-age bottlings that have different tastes and many independent bottlings from the distillery. Bunnahabhain is also known for contributing to the “Black Bottle” blend.

Visitors have a variety of experiences to choose from which are all available to book through the Bunnahabhain website. 

OPENING TIMES

Until 31 October, dog-friendly Bunnahabhain Visitor Centre is open seven days a week 10am-5pm.

You can book a distillery tasting experience (one hour); tours and tastings are available for groups of up to 12 people. Choose from a range of flight options including Fèis flights and rare and old whiskies or Warehouse 9 tasting, a must-visit for enthusiasts.

Call 01496 840557 for details and to book. You can also find and book your tasting experience here.

Any questions or to arrange a tasting for a group or club, please email the team.

Updated 15 April, 2025.