The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
There is no dispute that Scotland is whisky’s Holy Grail. Beyond this undeniable truth, it is also clear to state that Islay is the ultimate prize in the quest. It’s called Whiskey Island for good reason with ten distilleries and where some of whisky’s most revered brands call home. One of the island’s elder statesmen is Bowmore and with their new distillery cottages, makes the ideal place to experience all that this distillery and Islay has to offer.
A pilgrimage to Islay wouldn’t be complete without a full immersion and discovery of the Bowmore Distillery. Located in the picturesque village of Bowmore on the shores of Loch Indaal, the distillery is deeply influenced by Islay’s unique coastal environment. The Bowmore Distillery, with its rich history and unique whisky profile, offers an experience that is as much about tradition and craftsmanship as it is about savoring the spirit of the island itself.
Bowmore Whisky is a distinguished single malt scotch celebrated for its balanced flavor profile that combines gentle peat smoke with fruity and maritime notes. Established in 1779, it is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries and remains a cornerstone of its whisky heritage. It is renowned for its traditional craftsmanship, including hand-turned malting floors and aging whisky in the legendary Vaults No. 1, Scotland’s oldest maturation warehouse. Bowmore offers visitors an immersive experience, blending history, craft, and breathtaking scenery.
As a key to Scotland’s whisky heritage, as Bowmore may be, there is much more to discover in the Isle of Islay. The “Queen of the Hebrides,” is renowned worldwide for its whisky heritage and some of the world’s finest single malts as well as its scenic landscapes, and rich culture.
Getting to Islay is a journey in itself, with options to fly from Glasgow or take the ferry from Kennacraig. The approach reveals the island’s dramatic coastline, a preview of the natural beauty that awaits. Upon arrival, Islay feels like a world apart, its tranquility accentuated by the salty tang of sea air and the cries of seabirds overhead.
Beyond whisky, Islay boasts extraordinary natural beauty. The island’s rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and windswept moors provide a serene escape. Take a stroll along Machir Bay or explore the Oa Peninsula for dramatic cliffs and views of nesting seabirds. For history enthusiasts, the Kildalton Cross—a remarkably preserved early Christian monument—offers a glimpse into Islay’s spiritual and cultural past.
Seal watching, kayaking, and boat trips to neighboring islands or Jura add a touch of adventure. Don’t miss a visit to Islay’s RSPB reserve, a birdwatcher’s paradise with rare species like choughs and barnacle geese. End your day savoring fresh local seafood at a cozy pub, pairing your meal with a dram of the island’s finest.
The village of Bowmore is compact yet magnetic, its streets curving gently downhill toward Loch Indaal. Arriving here feels like stepping into a storybook, with whitewashed buildings flanking narrow lanes, their paint gleaming even in the island’s soft gray light. Around town, there are plenty of shops, eateries, and pubs to bend the elbow with locals. At the center of it all stands the distillery, its black lettering bold against the sea-facing walls, a beacon for anyone who finds joy in the clink of a glass and the warmth of a well-crafted dram.
But of course, the reason we venture to Islay is for the whisky and the Bowmore Distillery offers a tour and experience that make the trek beyond worthwhile. Before you enter the gates you smell it. The obvious scent is the earthy, smoky aroma of peat fires followed by the sweet, malty notes of germinating barley and fermenting grain. The surrounding maritime air adds a briny freshness. Then from beyond the gates you see it with its whitewashed walls and rooftops punctuated by the distinctive pagoda-style chimneys made for drying the barley, all boldly emblazoned with the Bowmore name. For the whisky lover, these are hallowed ground and its presence and heritage of 250 years of whisky making is felt from the moment you arrive and throughout the tour.
The visit begins on the malting floor, one of the last in Scotland still hand-turning barley. Visitors can even have a go at turning the barley, walking the floor in a straight line with a rake in tow to turn the damp barley on the bottom with the dryer barley on top. This practice, coupled with the infusion of Islay’s signature peat smoke, lays the foundation for Bowmore’s uniquely smoky yet refined character. The process unfolds through the mash tuns and washbacks, where Laggan River water and Islay yeast spark the alchemy that becomes whisky. The process continues through the still house, with its copper stills gleaming under skylights, a process adding to Bowmore’s balanced complexity.
A highlight of any tour is the descent into the legendary No. 1 Vaults. This stone-walled vault, nestled below sea level, is the oldest whisky warehouse in Scotland and a place of almost mythical status among whisky enthusiasts. The room is damp and moldy as it should be, keeping the spirits inside the casks at the perfect temperature and humidity. The cool, briny air of these stone chambers imparts a subtle maritime essence to the aging whisky, offering a sensory experience that feels steeped in history. Here, barrels rest quietly, crafting some of Bowmore’s most sought-after expressions.
Throughout the tour, guides bring the story of Bowmore to life, blending technical details with anecdotes and a palpable passion for the craft. Visitors can choose from a variety of tasting tours, including the Vaults Secrets tour, which leads guests into Bowmore’s storied No. 1 Vaults. This historic cellar is the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland and rests at sea level, where the whisky breathes in the salty, briny air of Loch Indaal. Here, visitors can sample some of Bowmore’s rarest expressions in an ambiance unlike any other—a true experience for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Bowmore’s whiskies are celebrated for their distinctive style, which captures the essence of Islay. Unlike some of the island’s more robust and intensely smoky malts, Bowmore’s profile is marked by harmony. The gentle peat smoke is complemented by fruity notes of citrus and honey, creating a whisky that is approachable yet complex.
The tours culminate in a tasting session, where visitors can sample a selection of Bowmore’s expressions. An exclusive whisky-tasting experience takes place in Bowmore’s Vault No. 1 within the storied walls of one of Scotland’s oldest maturation warehouses. The vault’s cool, damp environment, infused with sea spray, creates an unparalleled aging process that imparts a distinctive maritime character to its whiskies. During a guided tasting, the Bowmore 12-Year-Old reveals layers of zesty citrus, vanilla sweetness, and subtle smoky undertones.
The 18-year-old deepens the complexity with dried fruits, rich chocolate, and a velvety peat warmth, showcasing the balance of time and craft. The 25-Year-Old, a masterpiece of maturation, delights with sumptuous flavors of tropical fruits, toffee, and refined oak smokiness, culminating in a lingering, harmonious finish. Each dram tells a tale of Bowmore’s dedication to tradition and innovation, amplified by the atmospheric setting of Vault No. 1.
In the wine industry, it’s common to find estates where visitors can tour the winery, stroll through picturesque vineyards, and stay in luxurious accommodations nestled among the vines. So why not whisky? The new Bowmore Distillery Cottages are redefining this concept, offering whisky enthusiasts a comfortable base near the distillery and overlooking the loch. After a day of whisky tasting and island exploration, there’s something undeniably special about returning to a quiet evening by the loch, the light softening over the water, perhaps with a dram of Bowmore in hand.
Bowmore Cottages embrace the local character with a design that mirrors the natural landscape and the heritage of whisky-making that defines Islay. Each cottage exudes a warm, rustic charm, with interiors that marry traditional Scottish decor with modern comforts. The architecture speaks to the island’s past, with whitewashed stone exteriors and slate roofs that seamlessly blend with the surrounding scenery, reflecting the simplicity and resilience of Islay’s culture.
Inside, the cottages are furnished with a tasteful mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, creating a cozy yet refined ambiance. Soft leather armchairs, tartan throws, and aged wooden furniture make for a comforting retreat after a day of exploring the island. Thoughtfully curated details, such as local artwork and subtle nods to Islay’s whisky culture, add a layer of character without overpowering the space. Walls are painted in calming hues, often mirroring the soft greys and greens of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the feeling of connection with the outdoors.
Bowmore Cottages provide a range of amenities that cater to guests seeking both relaxation and convenience. Each cottage is outfitted with a full kitchen, equipped with modern appliances, cookware, and essential ingredients, allowing for cozy home-cooked meals. For those inspired by Islay’s culinary scene, the kitchen setup makes it easy to incorporate local produce and seafood into your own meals, perhaps paired with a dram from the nearby distillery.
The cottages also feature comfortable bedrooms with high-quality bedding, plush mattresses, and blackout curtains to ensure a restful night’s sleep. A gas or electric fireplace adds to the ambiance, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, especially during Islay’s cooler evenings. Bathrooms are modern and spacious, with rain showers, luxury toiletries, and heated towel racks, offering a touch of luxury amid the rustic surroundings.
One of the cottages’ most inviting amenities is the view. Many of the cottages overlook Loch Indaal, providing a peaceful backdrop to mornings and evenings spent by the window or on a small terrace. Watching the changing light over the loch, with seabirds soaring above, brings a quiet contentment that is unique to Islay.
Staying at Bowmore Cottages places guests at the heart of Bowmore Village, allowing for easy access to both the distillery and other attractions. Just a short walk away is Bowmore Distillery, where guests can take part in tasting tours, sample rare releases, and learn about the island’s whisky heritage. The cottages’ central location also makes it easy to explore local cafes, shops, and restaurants, offering a taste of island life without needing to travel far.
Staying in Bowmore Cottages feels like embracing a piece of Islay itself, from the peat-scented air to the sound of the waves lapping against the loch. It’s an invitation to slow down, connect with the land, and savor each moment in a place that embodies the heart and soul of Islay.
Bowmore Distillery is not just a place where whisky is made. It’s a portal to the heritage, craftsmanship, and soul of Islay, an island celebrated worldwide for its peaty single malts. For those who visit, Bowmore offers more than a glimpse into the distillation process—it reveals a history over two centuries old, a community interwoven with whisky, and a sensory journey that lingers.
