Atlas of Smoke Experience at Port Ellen
Bookings by request only. Please use the form below.
The Atlas of Smoke is Port Ellen’s mission to push the boundaries of Scotch Whisky, exploring the mysterious flavours and dimensions of smoke. This experience offers a next-level immersion with a personalised guided tour by the experts on the ground.
Guests are welcomed into an extraordinary tea ceremony, a sensorial journey revealing unexpected parallels between the ancient arts of tea and whisky making. Featuring three rare, hand-picked teas reflecting Port Ellen’s signature characteristics, this ritual sets the stage for the discoveries to come.
Delve into Port Ellen’s captivating 200-year story, uncovering its rich heritage, distinctive flavour profile, and visionary future. Experience a moment of rare privilege as guests draw directly from a historic cask, connecting to the distillery’s storied past.
A locally inspired lunch, shaped by the surrounding land and sea, offers a pause for reflection before the journey continues. Behind the scenes, a production tour reveals innovation in action, including a tasting of experimental new-make spirit.
The distinctive pagoda, a symbol of Port Ellen’s legacy, adds another chapter to this remarkable narrative. New ideas and an experimentation space allows visitors to consider current and future whisky experiments and explore what could possibly be created - aligned with Port Ellen’s mission to explore every facet of flavour as it charts an Atlas of Smoke.
The experience culminates with a tasting of Port Ellen Gemini, the exquisite twin whiskies at the heart of the distillery’s renaissance. A final closing ritual in the distillery’s private lounge, where guests will savour a rare historic release whilst overlooking the tranquil waters of Kilnaughon Bay, provides a fitting ending to this unforgettable journey.
Ts&Cs
This private tour allows up to eight guests for a full day, includes a locally sourced lunch inspired by the distillery’s surroundings, and is bookable only via the Diageo Private Client team, which you can contact through the website.
Please note there is a four-person minimum to book this experience.
Rescheduling and refunds can be accommodated up to 2 weeks before the tour. No refunds or reschedules are permitted after that time.
In the event of any queries or if you would like to discuss any aspect of your visit, please email us at portellen.distillery@diageo.com, and a member of the team will be happy to help.
This experience is suitable for people over 18 years old only.
HOW TO GET THERE
Planning your visit
Address
Port Ellen Distillery Kiln Square, Port Ellen Isle of Islay, PA42 7AF Scotland, UK
Port Ellen Distillery is located in the village of Port Ellen on the south coast of Islay, close to the island’s main ferry terminal. The distillery sits just a short distance from the harbour, making it one of the first whisky destinations visitors encounter when arriving on Islay by ferry.
The island is accessible via ferry from Kennacraig on Scotland’s west coast, or by air to Islay Airport, which is a short drive from Port Ellen. Once on the island, Port Ellen is easily reached via the local road network and is a natural stop on an Islay whisky tour itinerary. Parking is available nearby within the village.
Port Ellen Distillery operates primarily through pre-booked visitor experiences rather than standard opening hours.
All tours and tastings must be reserved in advance, as the distillery cannot accommodate walk-in visitors. Guests should book their preferred experience online to secure availability.
Experience durations vary depending on the tour selected, ranging from approximately 90 minutes to several hours for more in-depth whisky experiences.
Please note that visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Port Ellen Distillery has been designed as a modern, environmentally responsible facility while honoring its historic legacy. The site operates as a carbon-neutral distillery, powered by a renewable biofuel boiler and advanced energy systems. Water management also plays an important role in the distillery’s environmental approach, with approximately 97% of water used in production recycled.
By combining historic craftsmanship with contemporary sustainability practices, the new Port Ellen distillery demonstrates how traditional Scotch whisky production can evolve responsibly for future generations.
Port Ellen Distillery aims to provide a welcoming and comfortable experience for all visitors. Accessible facilities are available where possible, and the distillery team encourages guests with specific accessibility requirements to note these during the booking process.
Once a booking is confirmed, the visitor team can provide additional assistance and information to ensure each guest can fully enjoy their experience at the distillery.
Guests planning to visit with a dog are advised to check current policies with the distillery before arrival.
Port Ellen Distillery FAQs
Port Ellen Distillery is located in the village of Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, near the island’s main ferry terminal. Its coastal location makes it one of the first distilleries visitors encounter when arriving on Islay, and it is a key stop on many whisky itineraries across the island.
Yes, after an extensive regeneration project the distillery was officially reopened to the public on 19th March, 2024.
Yes. Port Ellen Distillery welcomes visitors through a range of premium, pre-booked experiences that explore the history, craftsmanship, and future of the distillery. These guided visits include immersive tours and whisky tastings.
Yes. Due to the limited capacity of the visitor experiences, advance booking is strongly recommended. Reservations help ensure availability and allow guests to select the experience that best suits their interests.
Port Ellen Distillery primarily operates through pre-booked visitor experiences, and walk-in visits are generally not accommodated. Guests wishing to explore the distillery are encouraged to reserve a tour or tasting experience in advance.