Distilleries
Bunnahabhain Distillery-
BUNNAHABHAIN
Established in 1881 Bunnahabhain, meaning “mouth of the river” from Scots Gaelic, looks out to the Sound of Islay, a vast stretch of sea travelled by many a seafarer, just like our helmsman illustrated proudly on the pack. This is home to the “gentle taste of Islay” the Bunnahabhain single malt.
This wonderfully remote location on the north eastern coast of Islay, with sea influence and free flowing mountain spring water, makes it an idyllic place for whisky distillation. It is the only single malt from Islay to use natural spring water source.
With 8 single malt distilleries currently producing our wonderful ”usage-beatha” on Islay (water of life in Scots Gaelic), why is the place such a haven for the creation of single malt?
One of the reasons was, of course, its geography.
Distilling was introduced on the island in the 1500s, with the three main components being readily available on Islay’s doorstep, namely, water, barley and peat.
Compliments of Whisky Cast
The road to Bunnahabhain Distillery is four miles long, and full of twists and turns. The views are stunning, though...and the whisky's pretty good, too. This is Bunnahabhain's day during the Islay Festival of Malt and Music, and we'll hear from the new distillery manager, Andrew Brown, along with stillman Robin Morton. There's music from the Scottish boy band Skerryvore, and much more on this episode from Islay.
Visit the Bunnahabhain website
- Deanston Distillery
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DEANSTON
The Deanston name means “Town of Dean”, originating from Walter Drummond who was the Dean of Dunblane who held feudal rights to the land in the 1500s.
Deanston village and the locale were developed around the cotton mill; now home to the distillery, a place where in the 1820s more than 1000 people were employed (Deanston now employs 12 distillery workers, in comparison).
The distillery opened in 1965 within the converted cotton mill and is unique as it is self sufficient as it dams water from the river teith which power two big water turbines which help power the distillery.
1966 – Deanston Distillery opened on 17th of October after an extensive refurbishment costing 300,000 and employing 20 people. The distillery is powered by its own hydro-electric plant and sells any oversupply back to the National Grid.
1990 – Burn Stewart acquires Deanston and the future of the distillery is secured. The high-quality spirit is now in high demand from the major distillers for their global brands and Deanston also forms the backbone for the company’s own Scottish Leader Blended Whisky.
- Tobermory Distillery
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TOBERMORY
Situated on Scotland's famously picturesque west coast, surrounded by the sea mists of the Atlantic Ocean, lies an island of unique beauty, Mull. From its ancient castles and historic monuments to its soaring mountains and white sandy beaches, Mull has a character all of its own. The Island is known for its high peaks, dramatic views, waterfalls, wildlife and history.
To the north of the island of Mull lies the peaceful have of Tobermory, without doubt one of Scotland's most beautiful and charming villages. Tobermory Distillery lies on the east coast towards the northern end of the island in an area known as Ledaig, meaning "safe haven" in the Gaelic tongue.
The Village of Tobermory itself is one of the most colourful in Europe with its picture postcard front looking out in to the tranquil bay. Built in 1798, Tobermory Distillery is the only distillery on the island and one of the oldest in Scotland. Its old world charm reflects the Tobermory spirit to do things the old fashioned way, by hand. Tobermory Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky is crafted, nurtured and aged by the islanders to be a treasure worth seeking out.