Islay · Distillery visit
Ardbeg Distillery
WhiskyTours & tastings
The scrappy cult star of Islay, with great drams, the island's best café, and unusually flexible drop-in tastings. The drive past Laphroaig and Lagavulin to reach it is part of the fun — make a day of the whisky coast.
At a glance
- Spirit
- Whisky
- Where
- Port Ellen, Islay
- Tours
- Yes — guided tours & tastings
- Booking
- Book tours at ardbeg.com; drop-in tastings need no booking. Silent Season 15 Jun–12 Jul 2026 (tastings only, no Classic tours).
- Getting there
- Islay — 3.7 miles from Port Ellen along the whisky coast (past Laphroaig and Lagavulin); car easiest, or foot/cycle.
- Best time
- May–Sep daily 09:30–17:00; Mon–Fri other months. Silent Season 15 Jun–12 Jul 2026 (no Classic tours).
Why visit
- The cult favourite of Islay's south coast — restored by LVMH in 1997
- The £22.50 Classic is among the best-value guided tours in Scotch whisky
- The Old Kiln Café is widely rated the best distillery café on Islay
- Flexible drop-in tastings with no booking needed
Worth knowing
- 3.7 miles from Port Ellen — a little awkward on foot
- Classic tours pause during the June–July Silent Season
- Fèis Ìle / Ardbeg Day events sell out months ahead
Tours & experiences
- Classic Distillery Experience1 hr 15 min · from £22.50
Guided tour plus three drams.
- Core Range Drop-in Tasting45–60 min · from £20
Five drams, no booking required (10:00–16:30).
- Warehouse 3 Tasting1 hr 30 min · from £65
Five drams; 18+ only.
Tour details and prices change seasonally — confirm with the distillery before you travel.
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