200th Anniversary Experience
Refunds and rescheduling are accepted up to 48h before the tour. No refunds or rescheduling after that time.
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A rare chance to celebrate 200 years of Port Ellen.
Step inside Port Ellen and discover a remarkable story spanning two centuries. Your host will guide you through its history—from the 1825 founding, through years of closure, to its inspiring rebirth on Islay’s southern shore.
From there, embark on an intimate production tour that reveals both traditional techniques and cutting-edge innovations. Explore the world’s first Ten Part Spirit Safe and witness how Port Ellen’s legacy is being redefined for a new era.
Your journey continues with a specially curated tasting of three exceptional Port Ellen whiskies, each hand-selected by your host and served alongside a light lunch of locally sourced meats, cheeses, and seasonal produce. These rare drams will be drawn from the distillery’s historic library of releases, including a historic cask sample, as well as expressions from the Prima & Ultima and Special Releases collections, each offering a distinct perspective on the evolving character of this iconic Islay malt.
The experience concludes with a tasting of the exclusive Port Ellen 200th Anniversary Edition, a 42-year-old vintage distilled in 1983, shortly before the distillery fell silent for over four decades. Bottled to honour this landmark occasion, it is a quintessential Port Ellen inviting guests to reflect on the past while raising a glass to the future, and to 200 years of trailblazing innovation.
Ts & Cs
This is a shared experience for up to ten guests and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Private and alternate-date bookings are available upon request.
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.
Rescheduling and refunds can be accommodated up to 2 weeks before the tour. No refunds or reschedules are permitted after that time.
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.