Distillery Experiences

A ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Journeying to Bunnahabhain Distillery is an adventure unto itself, a true escape to a world untouched by time. As you wind down the single-track road, each bend offers breathtaking views of the Sound of Islay and rugged, wild landscapes that feel like they’ve been waiting just for you. It’s a road less travelled, but that’s exactly the magic—an invitation to leave the everyday behind and discover something genuinely remote and special. When you finally arrive, there’s a sense of having uncovered a hidden gem, a place where the whisky is as richly rewarding as the journey that brought you there.

A visit to Warehouse 9 offers a tasting like no other, where you’ll sample rare casks straight from the barrel, surrounded by the very spirit of Islay. The distillery tour is equally unforgettable, where you’ll stand in awe before the tallest stills on the island, learning how their unique shape creates the signature Bunnahabhain character. It’s an experience that rewards the traveler willing to wander a little further, offering memories as full-bodied as the drams themselves.

Experience awards

2024 Travellers' Choice
Trip Advisor

LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS

DISTILLERY ADDRESS

Bunnahabhain Distillery

Port Askaig

PA46 7RP

Isle of Islay

OPENING TIMES

  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00

WHERE WE ARE

Whatever the weather, a warm welcome and spectacular view awaits you when visiting Islay distilleries like Bunnahabhain.

HOW TO GET TO US?

BY ROAD & FERRY

If you are planning on driving and getting the ferry across; there are two ports on Islay: Port Ellen and Port Askaig. Ferries run throughout the year, from Oban, Kennacraig, and from some of our neighbouring islands, such as Jura. For more detail and to plan your trip, visit:https://www.calmac.co.uk.

BY AIR

Loganair operates flights from Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports to Islay, and takes about 30 minutes to get to the island.  For more information, go to https://www.loganair.co.uk

BY TAXI OR BUS

After arriving on Islay, one of the best ways to get around without a car is by taxi. These can be booked in advance (advised), or upon arrival (subject to availability).

The bus service on Islay is operated by B. Mundell Ltd. The closest bus stop is about 5 miles from our distillery in Port Askaig.  For more information and to view the timetable, visit http://www.bmundell.co.uk/islay-coaches.html

BY WALKING OR CYCLING

For those brave enough to walk or cycle, the road to the distillery is one of the most spectacular and peaceful on the whole island – albeit a hilly and windy one! The walk takes about one to one and a half hours from Port Askaig, but make sure you come prepared for changeable weather, as it is not uncommon for us to experience all four seasons in one day!

BOOKING INFORMATION

RESERVATION PROCESS

You can pre-book your distillery experiences here, where you will be forwarded to our reservation site to confirm your chosen experience and quantity.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, whilst on the premises. Anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 may be asked to present a valid photo ID or passport as proof of age.

GROUP SIZES

Our production tours and tastings accommodate 12 visitors, with a selection of spaces reserved for walk-in bookings. However, spaces are limited, so we recommend booking your distillery experience ahead of arrival.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

We cannot issue any refunds for cancellations. If you cannot make the tour time chosen, please contact the distillery as soon as possible. Changes are at the discretion of the distillery and are subject to availability.

AMENITIES AND FACILITIES

FACILITY INFORMATION

Wifi
Parking
Restrooms
disabled access

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Gift Shop
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to book to visit the distillery?

If you would like to attend one of our distillery experiences, we ask you to book ahead of arriving, as spaces are limited. You can do this online here. If you would just like to come and see us in the Visitor Centre you do not need to book in advance.

I've booked a distillery experience, what should I do when arriving at Deanston?

Please aim to arrive 10 minutes before your experience is due to start. When you arrive at Deanston, please park in the car park if you have a car, and come to the Visitor Centre (this is a short walk from the carpark and is clearly sign posted. Please note, it is not the first building you see with the steps). Let a member of the team know you're here and they'll take you to the experience when it is ready to begin.

What should I wear to my distillery experience?

Not all surfaces at the distillery are completely level, so we would recommend you wear sensible footwear (no high heels or flip flops). If you are attending one of our warehouse experiences, please wear warm clothing as the warehouses are kept at a consistently cool temperature.

I'm running late for my experience, what do I do?

If you are running late, please let us know as soon as possible by calling the Visitor Centre on +44 (0) 1786 843 010). Please report to the Visitor Centre when you arrive and a member of the team will take you to the tasting or tour area. Please note, we cannot start a tasting or tour outside of the available booking times, so you may miss some information if arriving late.

I've booked on an experience but I'm the designated driver. Will I still get whisky?

If you're driving, we offer 'driver's drams' so you can take away the whisky tasted in the experience to enjoy in your own time at home.

Can I cancel my booking?

Unfortunately we cannot issue any refunds for cancellations. If you cannot make the tour time chosen, please contact the distillery as soon as possible as bookings can only be changed at the discretion of the distillery and are subject to availability.

Can I bring my children to the distillery?

Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 may be asked to present a valid photo ID or passport as proof of age in order to taste or purchase any alcohol, in terms of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Children of all ages are welcome inside the Visitor Centre itself, this includes the shop and the Coffee Bothy. Children under the age of 12 years old are not permitted inside of the production areas therefore are unable to attend our Distillery Tours. Furthermore, anyone under the age of 18 years old are unable to attend our Warehouse 4 experience.

Can I bring my pet to the distillery?

Well behaved pets are welcome in our Visitor Centre. However, due to health and safety, pets are not permitted in production or food and drink areas.

Can I book a private tasting experience?

We will try to accommodate but cannot guarantee due to availability. Give us a call on +44 (0)1786 843 010 to chat.