Port Ellen
Port Ellen Distillery
Located in Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, Port Ellen Distillery is one of the most legendary names in Scotch whisky. Originally founded in 1825, the distillery became renowned for its elegant, peated coastal character before closing in 1983. For decades it remained one of Scotland’s most famous “ghost distilleries,” with rare Port Ellen bottlings sought after by collectors around the world.
Following an extensive restoration the distillery reopened in 2024, bringing new life to its historic site. Today, Port Ellen welcomes visitors through carefully curated experiences that explore both its rich heritage and the future of Islay whisky-making.
Explore Tours
Visiting Port Ellen Distillery offers a rare opportunity to step inside one of Scotland’s most celebrated whisky names. Premium, small-group experiences provide behind-the-scenes access to the revived distillery, combining heritage storytelling with guided tastings of rare and aged Port Ellen expressions.
From immersive whisky explorations to exclusive anniversary experiences, each visit is carefully curated. Due to the distillery’s intimate format and limited capacity, advance booking is essential for all experiences.
Plan your visit
Gather everything you need to enjoy your day at Port Ellen
Find all the information you need to book, plan and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Port Ellen experience. Experiences at Port Ellen distillery are available by appointment only and therefore we cannot accommodate walk-in visitors. Advanced booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Address: Port Ellen distillery, Kiln Square, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, PA42 7AF, UK
We recommend visiting Traveline Scotland to plan your route and to stay up to date on transport options.
Read more at https://travelinescotland.com/
Experiences at Port Ellen distillery are available by appointment only and therefore we cannot accommodate walk-in visitors. Please use the booking system to select your preferred date and time.
Please note that all under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult.
We strive to give all visitors the confidence to visit the distillery and enjoy the experience. Please do let us know if you have any specific requirements or queries at time of your booking and our team will be in touch.
Email | portellen.distillery@diageo.com
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.
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