Distilling	Ageing	Drinking

Long before it became an internationally-renowned drink, Gaelic speaking clans were producing "uisge beatha", meaning "water of life". Although barley, yeast and pure water are the simple ingredients for malt whisky, each whisky has a different flavour depending on where it was made. Generally whisky from the east of Scotland tends to be lighter or sweeter than the Island or Western malts which often have an easily recognisable peaty or smoky taste.

Campbeltown was once the Victorian whisky capital of the world with 34 distilleries operating during the boom of the 19th century. However, just as great schemes rise so do they fall and the town's prosperity gradually waned. Today only Springbank, Glen Scotia and Glengyle remain in production, solitary reminders of the once great whisky days of this Royal Burgh.

Springbank Distillery was officially opened in 1828 and is the oldest remaining distillery in Campbeltown.

Islay Whiskies are famous for their distinctive peaty flavour. There are 7 distilleries on the island and one on neighbouring Jura which make these Inner Hebridean Islands a popular destination for whisky lovers from all over the world.

For more information on the distilleries and tour times and prices, please visit our Links page.