Laphroaig distillery

Laphroaig is a distillery on the southern coast of Islay, where salty sea air and peat smoke accompany the production process throughout the year. The whitewashed buildings sit directly by the water and include warehouses, copper stills, and dedicated facilities for malting barley.

The site was established in 1815 by farmers Donald and Alexander Johnston, who used barley and peat from their own land. During the 19th century the distillery grew through maritime trade routes to become a recognized brand throughout the British Isles and beyond.

Barley germinates on stone floors in dedicated malting rooms before workers turn it by hand and dry it with peat smoke from nearby bogs. The strong taste with iodine and seaweed notes comes from the Atlantic location and traditional processing methods still in use today.

The reception area offers three tour options, ranging from brief tastings to extended walks through the production rooms that last several hours. During summer the distillery opens from morning until evening, while winter months have shorter visiting windows.

Since 1994 every bottle purchase grants buyers a symbolic square foot of Islay land through the Friends of Laphroaig program. Visitors who come to claim their plot can raise a personal flag at the warehouse and pour themselves a dram from the cask reserved for members.