Islay's First Licensed Distillery
Founded in 1779 by John P. Simson, Bowmore is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay and one of the oldest in Scotland. Located in the town of Bowmore on the shores of Loch Indaal, the distillery sits at the heart of the island both geographically and culturally.
The distillery's iconic round church, Kilarrow Parish Church, was built by the same architect who designed Bowmore's warehouses. Legend says the round design prevents the devil from hiding in corners. The church still serves the community today, maintaining the connection between distillery and town.
Bowmore maintains the oldest Scotch whisky maturation warehouse, No. 1 Vaults, built below sea level. Here, whiskies age in the damp, salty air directly from Loch Indaal, creating the signature maritime character that defines Bowmore's style.
Bowmore's balanced range from lightly to heavily peated
The flagship. Perfectly balanced with honey, fruit, smoke, and distinctive maritime notes.
Triple matured with final finishing in sherry casks for additional complexity and richness.
Mature elegance with deep fruit flavors, balanced smoke, and the signature Bowmore maritime character.
The pinnacle expression, showing extraordinary complexity and refinement from quarter-century maturation.
Bowmore maintains its own floor maltings, one of the few distilleries still doing so. Local peat creates moderate phenol levels (25 ppm) for balanced smoke character.
Traditional Oregon pine washbacks ferment for 48-60 hours. The town location provides consistent temperatures ideal for developing complex flavors.
Two copper pot stills with distinctive shapes. The wash still features a broad base and narrow neck, while the spirit still has a lantern-shaped head.
Maturation in the famous No. 1 Vaults below sea level, plus traditional dunnage warehouses. The maritime influence is crucial to Bowmore's character development.
Last updated: 2026-08-28
Explore the depths of flavour unique to Bowmore with a guided tour of the distillery, followed by a signature cask tasting. Experience Islay's oldest licensed distillery and discover the traditional methods that create Bowmore's distinctive character.
£25
Explore where the spirit ages with excellence and experience whisky straight from the cask. Enjoy a selection of cask strength whiskies in the Legendary No.1 Vaults, Bowmore's historic stone warehouse located on the shores of Loch Indaal.
£70
Discover how the whisky is crafted with intent at every stage. The most comprehensive Bowmore experience, combining a full distillery tour with an exclusive warehouse tasting in the Legendary No.1 Vaults.
£85
Discover the art of the Old Fashioned cocktail using Bowmore single malt whisky. This hands-on cocktail experience teaches guests the techniques behind crafting the perfect Old Fashioned with a smoky Islay twist.
£35
An immersive whisky and seafood tasting experience, where smoke meets sea in perfect harmony. Discover how Bowmore's coastal character perfectly complements fresh Islay seafood.
£100
Bowmore
Isle of Islay
PA43 7GS
Mon-Fri: 9:00 - 17:00
Sat: 9:00 - 12:00
Sun: Closed
*Summer hours may be extended
CalMac ferries to Port Ellen or Port Askaig. Bowmore is centrally located on the A846.
Central location with ample parking. 8 miles from Port Ellen, 10 miles from Port Askaig.
Regular bus service connects Bowmore to both ferry terminals and other distilleries.
Historic round church in Bowmore town center. Unique architecture with no corners.
Large sea loch with excellent walking paths and birdwatching opportunities.
Traditional Scottish textile mill producing authentic Islay tweed and woolens.
Heated by waste heat from the distillery. Unique community partnership.