New Islay Distilleries
Islay now has 11 working distilleries — the most in its modern history — and more are on the way. Here is what has opened recently, what is coming next, and when you can expect to taste the whisky.
The newest working distilleries
Laggan Bay is Islay's newest distillery. Built by Ian Macleod Distillers with the Islay Boys at Glenegedale, beside Islay Airport, it filled its first cask on 2 April 2026. Scotch must mature for at least three years, so its first single malt is not expected before 2029.
Port Ellen reopened in March 2024 after being closed for around 40 years — one of the most talked-about revivals in Scotch whisky. Ardnahoe began distilling in 2018 near Port Askaig, using worm tubs to make a peated spirit, and Kilchoman (2005) remains the island's farm distillery.
Coming next
Portintruan, from Elixir Distillers, sits between Port Ellen and Lagavulin and is preparing to open. It pairs traditional floor maltings with direct-fired stills — a combination no other Islay distillery uses. No first spirit date has been confirmed.
Gartbreck near Bowmore remains a proposed site at the planning stage; no construction has been confirmed.
At a glance
| Distillery | Founded | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laggan Bay | 2026 | Ian Macleod Distillers, with the Islay Boys | Operational — first cask filled 2 April 2026 |
| Port Ellen | 1825 (reopened 2024) | Diageo | Operational — reopened March 2024 |
| Ardnahoe | 2018 | Hunter Laing & Co. | Operational |
| Kilchoman | 2005 | Independent (Wills family) | Operational |
| Portintruan | In development | Elixir Distillers | In development — preparing to open |
| Gartbreck Farm | Proposed | Chivas Brothers (Pernod Ricard) | In development — at planning stage |
Plan your visit
- All Islay distilleries — the full list by region.
- Islay distillery tours — prices and booking links.
- Fèis Ìle 2027 — the best week to see the newer distilleries open their doors.
Whisky Deals & Distillery Specials