ARDBEG
Visitor centre and restaurant open. Founded in 1815, currently owned by Glenmorangie. With a yearly capacity of 1000000 ltrs. they had such a marketing success that they nearly ran out of ten year old whisky, but were innovative enough to come up with some younger expressions to try and fill the gap.
The visitor centre and tour are excellent, and for some reason unbeknown to himself, Nigel actually enjoys this whisky despite not being a peat fan
Found in Black Bottle, Ballantine`s and Teachers blends.
t: 01496302244 www.ardbeg.com
BRUICHLADDICH
Visitor centre open. Founded in 1881, currently independently owned, and managed by the legendary Jim McEwan.
There is so much experimentation and innovation going on here it is difficult to describe a house style, but that is what makes this such a good distillery. One of the few places where you can buy your own cask and watch it mature.
They also distill to an old recipe for Port Charlotte, which used to be about 100 yards down the road. Used to be found in the Black Bottle blend.
t: 01496 850221 www.bruichladdich.com
BUNNAHABHAIN
Visitor centre open. Owned By Burn Stewart Distillers, originally founded in 1881.
Situated at the end of a narrow road in the north east corner of Islay, this has been described as the most Speyside-like Islay malt.
What a gorgeous drop of gear it is too. Found in Cutty Sark, Black Bottle and the Famous Grouse.
t: 01496 840646 www.bunnahabhain.com