Est. 1779 • Bowmore, Islay, Scotland
Bowmore
"Islay's first single malt distillery"
About Bowmore
Bowmore is Islay's oldest distillery and one of the oldest in Scotland. Known for its perfect balance of peat smoke, maritime influence, and elegant fruit notes, Bowmore creates whiskies that bridge the gap between the heavily peated south and lighter northern Islay styles.
1779
Founded
245+ yrs
Heritage
Islay
Region
Islay's 1st
Distinction
Discover Bowmore
Islay's oldest and most balanced distillery
Bowmore's legendary No. 1 Vaults
Loch Indaal and the harbour
Handcrafted copper pot stills
The iconic Bowmore waterfront
The Craft
What makes Bowmore perfectly balanced
Water Source
River Laggan
Pure water filtered through peat and iron-rich basalt rock
Islay Peat
~25 ppm phenols
Traditional floor malting with gentle peat
Balanced smoke with floral and tropical fruit notes
Copper Stills
2 wash, 2 spirit
Tall stills for a more refined spirit
What Makes Bowmore Special
Scotland's oldest sea-level maturation vault (No. 1 Vaults)
One of few distilleries still floor-malting barley on-site
Islay's oldest distillery - established 1779
Getting There
Plan your journey to the Isle of Islay
By Air
Islay Airport (ILY)
5 minutes by car
Daily flights from Glasgow
By Ferry
Kennacraig to Port Askaig or Port Ellen
~2 hours crossing
CalMac Ferries
From Glasgow
3 hours to Kennacraig, then ferry
Approximately 5-6 hours total journey
Travel Tips
- •Bowmore is the main village on Islay with good accommodation
- •Round Church and harbor are worth exploring
- •Book ferry in advance, especially in summer
The Collection
Explore the full range of Bowmore single malts
Plan Your Visit
Experience Islay's oldest distillery with a Bowmore tour
From £25
Layers of Craft
1 hour
From £25
Signature Cask Tour
1.25 hours
From £65
Cask Discovery
1.5 hours
From £85
Intentional Craft
2.5 hours
Advance booking recommended
Nearby Distilleries
Explore more of Islay's legendary whisky trail
💡 Tip: Consider a multi-distillery tour - all three are within easy driving distance!
A Legacy of Firsts
Over 245 years of pioneering whisky-making
David Simson establishes Bowmore - Islay's first licensed distillery
David Simson establishes Bowmore - Islay's first licensed distillery
W. & J. Mutter acquire the distillery and expand operations
W. & J. Mutter acquire the distillery and expand operations
Stanley P. Morrison purchases and modernizes the distillery
Stanley P. Morrison purchases and modernizes the distillery
Suntory becomes a partner, bringing Japanese expertise
Suntory becomes a partner, bringing Japanese expertise
Bowmore 30 Year Old named 'Whisky of the Year'
Bowmore 30 Year Old named 'Whisky of the Year'
Celebrates over 240 years of continuous whisky-making
Celebrates over 240 years of continuous whisky-making
Begin Your Bowmore Journey
Add Bowmore bottles to your cabinet, track your tasting notes, and discover Islay's oldest distillery.