Introduction

This afternoon, I am focusing on Bowmore Distillery which was established in 1779 and as such ranks as the oldest distillery on Islay.

Information on Bowmore Distillery

Subsequent to establishment there has occurred many changes of ownership culminating  with the current owner, Suntory of Japan. Other Scottish distilleries in the same group are Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch.

Bowmore is unusual in that is still maintains traditional maltings floors.These produce about 40 pct of requirements.

Capacity at Bowmore is 2.15M litres per annum.

Like most of the Islay distilleries, Bowmore produces whisky with a high peat content resulting in ‘smokey’ flavour. The core range of single malts comprises:

• 12 year old
• 15 year old
• 18 year old.
• 25 year old.

The duty free range is based on the Apellations series comprising four finishes of different ages: 14 year old Bordeaux, 16 year old Ruby Port, 19 year old Pinoit Noir and 22 year old Sauternes.

Excellent tours are available.

Maltings Floor

Mating barley with peat.

Mash Tun

Washback for fermentation

Stills for distillation

Maturing Whisky

Rare Black Bowmore Whisky

More Information

For more information on Scotland’s whisky industry and touring opportunities within Scotland please refer to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.