Laphroaig SingleMalt ScotchWhisky
Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Argyll, Scotland PA42 7DU
Tel. 01496 302418
Viewer's Comments about Laphroaig

Laphroaig (La-froyg) is the story of a community. An uncompromising, tough and determined group of people who work to ensure that this defining whisky has always remained true to its origins. The western isle of Islay is covered with deep and ancient peat bogs. At Laphroaig, "the beautiful hollow by the broad bay," the malt is kept on malting floors in time-honored tradition. The white oak casks full of aging whisky are stored in a warehouse on the sea, where the wood breathes in the briny sea-mist, air of salt and seaweed, as waves lap against the warehouse at high tide. The most challenging and individual of malt whiskies, the smokiest and peatiest of them all, Laphroaig is The Definitive Islay Malt.

No one knows the full history of Laphroaig, as it is lost in the mist of time. It's clear that the Irish had been distilling here for many years and that the locals picked up the skills when they left, but because it was illegal, the small stills on the farms were rarely discussed - just a nod and a wink in the right direction!

What we do know though, is that the Johnstons started farming here around 1800, and that soon after messers Charles and Willie Doig were asked to do some 'work on a distillery' at Laphroaig. By 1815 Laphroaig's reputation had spread and the tax man was getting suspicious so they 'officially' established 'Johnston & Johnston' - the legend of Laphroaig had begun.

Take it neat or with a splash of soft water. Roll it around on your tongue. Release the pungent, earthy aroma of the blue peat smoke, the sweet nuttiness of the barley and the delicate, heathery perfume of Islay's streams. Like the islanders it may seem a little aloof at first, but make the effort, broach acquaintance and we can guarantee you'll have a warm and genuine friend for life.

The award winning family of Laphroaig Whiskies ranges from the rich, pungent 10 Year Old to the smooth and exceptionally rare 40 Year Old. But whatever Laphroaig you choose, you can sense 200 years of loving care distilled into every bottle.
We have always considered Laphroaig the best single malt in the World. In 2005 we were proud to be voted 'the best of the best' in the Champions of Whisky Competition - so now it's official!

~Courtesy of Laphroaig Distillery

As the industry grew, they fell into disuse – bigger and more cost effective barrels became the norm, for maturation and transportation. However as single malt lovers may know, the relationship between the barrels and the maturing spirit is critical. Laphraoig noted that the small cask size gives up to 60% greater contact with the wood compared to some of the larger sizes used today, thus greatly intensifying the maturation process.

Laphroaig Distillery Tours


Established: 1826

Many Friends of Laphroaig aspire to visit the distillery at least once in their lifetime. For fans of the 'liquid smoke' the visit to the distillery, and the warm hospitality they receive once they get there, is well worth the trip and will remain one of their fondest memories.

When you visit the distillery, you will be taken on a tour and enjoy a dram of the finest. Annual 'ground rent' (a miniature) is given before you take your leave, as well as the pacing out of your own square foot of land.

Laphroaig Distillery Tours
Some people consider this the best tour on the island! To arrange an 'in-the-flesh' tour of the distillery, please contact us at this number: +44 (0)1496 302418.

Tour Frequency
Tours are on Mondays to Fridays either at 10.15am or at 2.15pm. Normally, if you call a day or so before your intended visit, that will be enough notice.

Planning Your Tour
When planning your visit to the distillery, please bear in mind that we normally shutdown for maintenance in the months of July and August every year.

Getting There: From Port Ellen take the Ardbeg road. Laphroaig Distillery is the first of three distilleries on a lovely coastal road. It is down a short drive on the Seaward side.

Parking / Reception: Bear right at the end of the avenue into the distillery and then sharp left into the car park. Climb the external stairs to sign in, and then across to the dram room with its exceptional views.

Maximum Group Size: 15

Cost: Free

Group Bookings: By appointment only.

Enquiries:
Tel: 01496 302418

Photography in Distillery: Yes

Disabled Access: Not an easy tour for the disabled but help is available.

Foreign Visitors: No special provisions for non English speaking visitors.

Contact Us
Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
Argyll, Scotland PA42 7DU
Tel. 01496 30248
General Enquiries (no shop order info)