Nestled on the vibrant, colourful harbour of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, the Tobermory Distillery is a true hidden gem and a must-visit for any whisky enthusiast or curious traveller. As the oldest distillery on this stunning Hebridean island, it boasts a history as rich and layered as its whiskies.
A Storied History on a Picturesque Island
Local kelp merchant John Sinclair established the distillery in 1798, making it one of Scotland’s oldest. Its story, in fact, is one of resilience and change, marked by numerous periods of closure and a variety of owners. Originally known as Ledaig Distillery, it went through many transformations, but its spirit of craftsmanship endured for over two centuries. Workers constructed the current buildings during the distillery’s early years, which adds to the historic charm of a visit.
The Duality of the Dram: Tobermory and Ledaig
Therefore, one of the most unique aspects of the Tobermory Distillery is that it produces two distinct and captivating single malts. This “tale of two whiskies” allows the distillery to showcase the contrasting characters of the Isle of Mull itself.
- Tobermory: The signature unpeated single malt. This whisky offers bright, fruity notes with hints of citrus and a subtle sweetness. It reflects the lively town and the fresh, vibrant energy of the island’s natural beauty.
- Ledaig: The bold, peated expression. Named after the distillery’s original name, Ledaig (pronounced “Let-chig”) draws deep influence from the island’s rugged coastline and dramatic landscapes. Consequently, it delivers a robust, smoky flavour with rich, earthy undertones, appealing to those who appreciate a more powerful dram.
The distillery also produces a Hebridean gin, which features botanicals and a splash of new-make spirit from the whisky stills, offering a unique and local twist on a classic spirit.
INSPIRED BY MULL, CRAFTED BY TOBERMORY – Tobermory Distillery brings the spirit of the Isle of Mull to life, crafting whisky inspired by the island’s rugged beauty and vibrant character. Each bottle captures Mull’s essence through artisanal craftsmanship and centuries-old traditions, offering a taste of this unique landscape in every sip.
Planning Your Visit: Tours and Tastings
For this reason, a tour is highly recommended to get the full experience. Knowledgeable staff guide tours and share the history and art of whisky making. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the traditional production process, from the copper stills to the mash tuns.
- Tour Options: The distillery offers a variety of tours, for example, a classic distillery tour with a dram or more in-depth experiences. Many tours conclude with a tutored tasting of both the Tobermory and Ledaig expressions, allowing you to compare and contrast the two. There are also gin-tasting experiences.
- Opening Times & Booking: The distillery operates year-round, typically from 10:00 to 17:00, however, it’s always best to check their website for the most up-to-date schedule. Spaces on tours are limited, so we strongly advise booking in advance, especially during peak season. You can often book online.
- Important Considerations: The distillery is an old building, and some production areas have open metal gratings and stairs. Therefore, tours are not wheelchair accessible, and visitors must wear sensible, flat-soled shoes—we do not permit high heels or open-toed sandals. For safety reasons, we do not permit children under a certain age (often 12) on the production tour. Finally, for designated drivers, “driver’s drams” are available to take away and enjoy later.
Getting There
Getting to Tobermory Distillery is a scenic journey in itself. In addition, the most common route involves taking a ferry from Oban to Craignure on Mull. From Craignure, the drive to Tobermory takes about 40 minutes. You can also use a regular bus service that runs from the Craignure ferry terminal and stops right outside the distillery. However, if you bring a car, we highly recommend reserving your ferry tickets in advance.
INSPIRED BY MULL, CRAFTED BY TOBERMORY – Tobermory Distillery brings the spirit of the Isle of Mull to life, crafting whisky inspired by the island’s rugged beauty and vibrant character. Each bottle captures Mull’s essence through artisanal craftsmanship and centuries-old traditions, offering a taste of this unique landscape in every sip.
Once you are in Tobermory, you can easily find the distillery conveniently located at the harbour’s edge, close to the public Ledaig car park. The visitor centre is a distinct white building, easy to spot.
A visit to the Tobermory Distillery is more than just a tour; rather, it is an immersive experience into the heart of a historic Scottish island, where two very different whiskies tell a single, captivating story.
