Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Leah Hall
Join us on a tour of Bunnahabhain Distillery on the isle of Islay. One of the most fun distillery tours we have had, we hope you read below!
For whisky fans making their way around the island of Islay, the Bunnahabhain Distillery tour is not to be missed. It is an experience that feels both remote and rewarding. Reached by a long road that winds toward the north of the island. Bunnahabhain distillery offers one of the most spectacular views on Islay and overlooking Bunnahabhain Bay across to the Isle of Jura. Other distilleries on Islay are Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Caol Ila, Ardnahoe, Bruichladdich and Kilchoman!
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It’s the only distillery on the island that draws its water from a natural spring rather than a peat bog. This gives Bunnahabhain whisky a fresher note that stands apart from other Islay distilleries.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with a warm welcome in the Distillery shop. The Production Tour begins with a walk through the production areas, leading into the mash tun, wash stills, and the tallest stills on Islay. While Bunnahabhain no longer uses traditional floor maltings, the malting floor remains part of the history, connecting visitors to the old ways of whisky-making.
Warehouse 9 Tasting
We chose to do the Warehouse 9 tasting, which doesn’t include the tour. Our “tour guide” Tilly gave us stories of the distillery while she poured generous tastings of cask pours. She explained how Bunnahabhain has evolved from producing heavily peated whisky to the more balanced and approachable single malt whiskies it’s known for today. Read all about the different whisky regions in Scotland!
We also learned about the influence of sherry casks on the flavor of classic Bunnahabhain whiskies. And, the distillery’s expanding maturing inventory of single casks and new limited editions.
Inside Bunnahabhain’s Warehouse 9, we were seated right among the barrels. The warehouse experience was a favorite part of all of our tours. It was a chance to sample drams drawn straight from the casks. For first time visitors and long-time whisky fans alike, tasting whisky at cask strength where it rests in the cool, sea-scented air and peated air is unforgettable.
The tours also highlight the core range Bunnahabhain whiskies, delicious whiskies shaped by years in casks and the distillery’s coastal environment.
Bunnahabhain Distillery
The distillery shop is the perfect last stop, with bottles that include both the black bottle blends and single malt expressions only available on-site.
Between it’s location and craftsmanship, Bunnahabhain stands out among whisky tours on Islay. From the natural beauty of the surroundings, depth of their tasting experiences, and stories shared by passionate staff, it’s easy to see why visitors enjoy from start to finish. If you are the driver, make sure to get your driver’s drams during the tasting so you can try them later.
Whether on a journey around Scotland’s whisky island or just stopping by for a wee dram, Bunnahabhain Distillery is a must for anyone who loves single malt whiskies and unforgettable views.
Tips & Tricks
- Location – located closer to Pork Askaig than Port Charlotte, Bunnahabhain is on the east side of the island.
- Tours and Tastings – Warehouse 9 tasting: Behind the No.9 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, you are able to enjoy an exclusive tasting of unpeated and peated (mòine) Bunnahabhain whiskies. 1.5 hours, 4 tastings
- Production Tour – 50 minutes, 2 tastings
Cheers!
Restaurants
- Bridgend Hotel
- Peatzeria
- Old Kiln Cafe – Ardbeg
Places to Stay
- Glenegedale House
- Islay House – Bridgend
- The Machrie
Things to Do
- Tockmal – old medieval chapel site you can check out
- Carraig Fhada Lighthouse
- Singing Sands
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