The Gentle Spirit of Islay
Founded in 1881 by the Greenless Brothers, Bunnahabhain (pronounced "BOO-na-HAV-en") sits in splendid isolation at the end of a single-track road on Islay's remote northeast coast. The name means "mouth of the little river" in Scottish Gaelic, referring to the Margadale River that flows past the distillery into the Sound of Islay.
For most of its history, Bunnahabhain was unique on Islay as the only distillery producing unpeated single malt whisky. This gentle, maritime style made it distinctly different from its heavily peated neighbors, earning it the nickname "the gentle spirit of Islay." The distillery was built to supply malt whisky for blends, particularly the famous Black Bottle blend.
In recent years, Bunnahabhain has expanded its range to include peated expressions while maintaining its signature unpeated style. The distillery changed hands several times before being acquired by Distell Group (now part of Heineken) in 2013, ensuring its continued operation and development.
Bunnahabhain's distinctive unpeated and lightly peated single malts
The flagship unpeated expression with rich fruit, nuts, and distinctive maritime character. Matured in first and second-fill sherry and bourbon casks.
Rich and complex with dried fruits, Christmas spices, and a long, warming finish. Matured primarily in sherry casks.
A peated expression meaning "smoky two" in Gaelic. Combines traditional Bunnahabhain character with gentle peat smoke.
Named after the "helmsman" in Gaelic. A maritime-influenced expression with notes of sea spray and coastal vegetation.
Bunnahabhain traditionally uses unpeated malt, creating their distinctive gentle character. The malt is mashed using the distillery's own spring water from nearby springs.
Fermentation takes place in Oregon pine washbacks for approximately 75-90 hours, longer than many distilleries, which develops complex flavors and the characteristic nutty, fruity notes.
Double distillation in two pairs of copper pot stills with onion-shaped bases. The tall, narrow necks and slow distillation create Bunnahabhain's elegant, refined character.
Maturation primarily in American bourbon barrels and European sherry casks in traditional dunnage warehouses. The coastal location adds maritime influence to the maturing spirit.
Last updated: 2026-08-28
A guided tour of Bunnahabhain distillery including the malt mill, mash tun, washbacks, stills and warehouse. Experience the history of the distillery, the steps taken in creating the whisky, and discover how Bunnahabhain came to be. Stand in awe before the tallest stills on Islay and learn how their unique shape creates the signature Bunnahabhain character.
£20
Behind the No9 black door, the converted floor maltings are now home to Bunnahabhain whisky maturing in the very best American and European oak casks. Surrounded by the maturing inventory, guests enjoy exclusive tastings straight from the cask. This tasting experience offers a rare opportunity to sample casks drawn directly from the barrel in an authentic warehouse setting.
£50
The whisky tastings are held in the new Visitor Centre overlooking Bunnahabhain Bay and the Sound of Islay. Experience a range of tasting options featuring 4-5 carefully selected drams in a stunning setting with panoramic views across the water.
£35 - £275
Port Askaig
Isle of Islay
PA46 7RP
Mon-Fri: 10:00 - 17:00
Sat-Sun: 10:00 - 16:00
*By appointment only during winter months
CalMac ferries from Kennacraig (2 hours) to Port Askaig. Bunnahabhain is 3 miles north of Port Askaig.
Free parking available. Follow the single-track road north from Port Askaig for 3 miles. Drive carefully on the narrow road.
No regular bus service. Taxi from Port Askaig recommended. Some tour operators include transport from other distilleries.
3 miles south. Another Diageo distillery offering contrasting peated expressions.
Beautiful coastal views across to Jura. Wildlife watching opportunities including seals.
2 miles northeast. Islay's newest distillery offering modern facilities and tastings.
Short ferry crossing to the Isle of Jura from Port Askaig for island hopping.