Bowmore

Bowmore, situated at the heart of Islay, holds a pivotal role in the island's whisky heritage. Founded in 1779 by David Simson, Bowmore is the first licensed distillery on Islay. Simson, who had been distilling in Bowmore since his arrival in 1766, established the distillery in the burgeoning village of Bowmore. The distillery's ownership passed through various hands, including James Mutter and the Bowmore Distilling Company.

This distillery boasts its own floor maltings, which fulfill 40% of its barley requirements. When combined with malt from the mainland, this results in a medium-peated spirit that characterizes Bowmore. The distillery values on-island maturation, with its No.1 Vaults celebrated for their exceptional microclimate. Located below the level of Loch Indaal, one of the vault's walls forms the town's sea wall, creating a cool and damp environment ideal for long-term aging.

In 1963, Stanley P. Morrison acquired the distillery, initiating significant renovations while preserving traditional whisky production methods and the original floor maltings. Presently, Bowmore is under the ownership of Beam Suntory, having transitioned from a partnership with Beam Suntory to complete ownership in 1994, ensuring the legacy of this iconic Islay distillery.