Port Ellen Reborn
Experience Port Ellen Reborn
Refunds and rescheduling are accepted up to 48h before the tour. No refunds or rescheduling after that time.
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Port Ellen Reborn offers an extraordinary 90-minute exploration of one of the most iconic names in Scotch whisky, reimagined for a new era. Designed for those drawn to both innovation and legacy, this experience reveals the craft, creativity, and pioneering spirit behind Port Ellen’s rebirth.
The journey begins inside the newly reinvigorated distillery, where an exclusive tour unveils the state-of-the-art production process. Discover the world’s first Ten Part Spirit Safe and experience a unique nosing of Port Ellen’s new-make spirit, fresh from the still house, a glimpse into the future character of this legendary name.
From there, step into a historic shoreside warehouse to taste directly from a 1979 vintage cask, offering a rare and tangible connection to Port Ellen’s storied past. The experience culminates in a final tasting, where guests will savour a rare historic release while immersing themselves in the atmosphere of Port Ellen Distillery, now reborn.
Ts & Cs
This is a shared experience for up to twelve guests, priced at £250 per person.
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.
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. If you plan to drive, remember that cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in Scotland, which can take some adjustment. 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.