Laphroaig Distillery is one of few distilleries in Scotland who still malt some of their barley on site, and even rarer again, they continue to hand cut their own peat. Laphroaig was the first whisky distillery awarded a Royal Warrant by HRH King Charles, issued during his first visit to the distillery in 1994. He followed up with a repeat visit in 2008 as part of his 60th birthday celebrations.
You'll find Laphroaig Distillery nestled in woodland, 1.8 miles from Port Ellen, the first of three distilleries on Islay's south east-coast (the other two being Lagavulin and Ardbeg) - it is well worth a tour if you're visiting Islay.
Laphroaig Whisky Distillery, Islay, Scotland. Photograph available as Fine Art Print or Poster.
How Do You Pronounce Laphroaig?
How to pronounce Laphroaig (/ləˈfrɔɪɡ/ lə-FROYG) courtesy of Brian Cox ...
Laphroaig Whisky
Laphroaig (and Ardbeg) can be quite polarising, even for peat freaks. Laphroaig have skillfully utilised the love/hate relationship people tend to have with their whisky in a campaign that goes by the tag "Opinions Welcome" (#OpinionsWelcome).
Wall tiles at the Laphroaig Distillery entrance, printed with the many and varied opinions of Laphroaig: "Burnt Tyres" | "Like Licking A Peat Stove's Ashtray" | "Unapologetically Impolite, Undeniably Luscious"
My family have prohibited me from opening Laphroaig 10 in the house - the vapours seem to encroach upon their personal space, and they strongly disapprove of it! Laphroaig was the first Scotch single malt I ever tried, and I almost didn't try another single malt whisky after that.
Laphroaig vs Lagavulin
The taste of whisky is very personal - what is mother's milk to one person might be bile to another, and this is probably the best way to preface the difference between Laphroaig 10 yo and Lagavulin 16. Lagavulin 16 doesn't have quite the same kick to the head that you'll get with Laphroaig 10. Both whiskies are peated, originate from the same side of the Islay (the distilleries are neighbours), and both are chillfiltered and have spirit caramel/colour added. Bottled at 43% abv, Lagavulin 16 has a slightly higher abv than Laphroaig 10 at 40% abv. Lagavulin 16 has also had a further six years to mature and 'soften' and lacks the raw medicinal ashtray/burning tyres you often get with Laphroaig.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old
Ralfy has reviewed Laphroaig 10 more than most other bottlings - 5 times in 8 years (see reviews 30, 272, 501, 575, 686 and 793 below - there are also separate reviews for the cask strength version of Laphroaig 10) - partly because he considers it a benchmark peated single malt whisky, but also because of the changes to peat intensity over time. The variation can partly be attributed to the evolution of his palate, but is mostly due to factors such as yield from the malted barley grains ("which distillers are ever trying to increase") as well as the age of the whisky relative to the quality of the casks used in the maturation process (first fill vs refill).
He notes that "the prominent feature of Laphroaig is a seashore coastal mineral note, hard to pin down as it's not a specific flavour - it's part of a range of flavour sensations like sweet, sour, salt, bitter and savoury/umami. This umami/savoury sensation is really quite discernible/prominent in Laphroaig; it's one of its main feature characteristics ... particularly at a young age."
In 2017 he described the Laphroaig 10 as having a "raw, vegetal, twiggy, smoke-infused peaty-ness" with "old sultanas that have been in the jar for quite a while".
"Seashore coastal mineral ... raw, vegetal, twiggy, smoke-infused peaty-ness ... old sultanas that have been in the jar for quite a while". - Ralfy, Review 686 (Laphroaig 10, 2017 release)
Where is Laphroaig Distillery?
Laphroaig is the first of three distilleries (Lagavulin and Ardbeg are the other two) on Islay's southeast coastline, and you'll also now find Port Ellen Distillery in Port Ellen. It's a short drive (1.8 miles / 2.9 km) or a 30-40 min walk from Port Ellen. On a fine day, it's a superb stroll as there is a well-maintained bicycle path from Port Ellen to Ardbeg.
You can also hire a bike, electric or otherwise, from Islay E-wheels (based on Port Ellen).
For more information, see our post on Visiting Islay Without a Car.
Laphroaig Whisky Gifts, Wall Art and Home Bar Decor, Made By Whisky Lovers For Whisky Lovers.
Our museum-quality maps, illustrations and photographs transform memories into masterpieces that you'll proudly display for years to come. Our posters and fine art prints will inspire future adventures, spark conversations, and transport you to legendary whisky distilleries with every glance.
Laphroaig Distillery Tours, Pricing & Bookings
Children under 12 years of age are welcome at the distillery (visitor centre) but must be 12 years or older to go on a tour (free with a paying adult). Children are only permitted on the Experience Tour, and may not attend any of the tastings or the Uisge Tour.
Silent Season
Laphroaig Distillery production areas undergo essential maintenance during July/August, and tours of the distillery, and most tasting experiences, are unavailable from 4th July to 12th August 2025.
Experience Tour and Tasting
Guided tour of Laphroaig Distillery, and a tutored tasting of one (1) Laphroaig whisky plus a souvenir tasting glass and lanyard to take home at the end of your tour. £20 per person, approximately 90 minutes duration. Online bookings highly recommended - maximum 12 persons per tour. Children over 12 years of age may go on this tour (tickets are free with a paying accompanying adult). Not available during Silent Season - the Laphroaig Past and Present Tasting (no tour) is available daily instead.
Laphroaig Past and Present Tasting
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 pm until the 31st October; experience a tasting like no other from Laphroaig's private collection of legacy bottles, this tasting is a rare chance to taste some of Laphroaig's oldest and most exclusive whiskies. The Laphroaig Past and Present Tasting includes five (5x20ml) drams, and takeaway options are available for drivers. £120 per person, persons aged 18 years and older only. Tasting Duration is approximately 90 minutes. Online advanced bookings are highly recommended. A revised Past and Present Tasting Experience runs daily during Silent Season.
Uisge - A Day With Laphroaig
The ultimate experience for a Laphroaig Whisky Fan : start your journey with an extensive tour through the full production of the distillery beginning with the malting floors.Gather your picnic lunch and walking boots and hike out to explore the surrounding landscape, visiting the Kilbride water source, an essential element in making Laphroaig. Appreciate the view from this beautiful setting while you enjoy your delicious lunch. Hike back to the distillery to sample a selection of handpicked single casks in Warehouse No.1, pick your favourite and hand bottle it to take home. Maximum 6 persons per session, £150.00 per person, approximately 4.5 hours duration. Online advanced bookings are essential. A revised Uisge Experience runs during Silent Season and is £130.00 per person (as the production areas are not available).
Additional tasting experiences are available (though not during Silent Season).
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If it all seems to hard to organise, why not sign up to a Rabbie's tour, and let them take care of all the planning (and the driving!) for you? This tour departs from Edinburgh and heads to Oban for lunch on Day 1, before catching the evening ferry to Islay. Day 2 sees you visit Bowmore Distillery, Kilchoman Distillery and Bunnahabhain Distillery. Then Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin Distilleries on Day 3, before returning to Edinburgh on Day 4.
Entrance to the Laphroaig Visitor Centre (Warehouse 1 is on the left)
Laphroaig whisky distillery, Isle of Islay, Scotland. Photograph available as Fine Art Print or Poster.
Laphroaig Distillery Images
Warehouse 1, Laphroaig Whisky Distillery, Islay, Scotland. Photograph available as Fine Art Print or Poster.
Laphroaig steep their barley for three days, with three separtae lots of water changed daily
Barley grains are soaked in water for three days. The water is drained and replaced three times a day.
Tiny little shoots are visible in the germinating barley on the Laphroaig Malt Floor
One of the conveyors used to drive the malt through the distillery.
Lauter Mash Tun at Laphroaig Distillery, Islay, Scotland
Inside Laphroaig's Lauter Mash Tun
The beautiful fat bottoms of spirit stills no. 1 and no. 2 at Laphroaig, with the condenser of no. 1 in the middle background. Photograph available as Fine Art Print or Poster.
The spirit and wash stills (minus no.1 spirit still) at Laphroaig Distillery. Photograph available as Fine Art Print or Poster.
Three of the four spirit stills at Laphroaig Distillery, and the Spirit Safe on the right.
The low wines receiver bowl from Wash Still No. 1 in the Low Wines safe at Laphroaig Distillery. Black and white photograph
The low wines receiver bowl from Wash Still No. 2, in the spirit safe at Laphroaig Distillery.
The three low wines receiver bowls, from the three Wash Stills, at Laphroaig Distillery
Thermometers in the Low Wines Safe at Laphroaig Distillery for Wash Stills 1 and 2. The Stillman can determine the concentration of alcohol in liquid passing through using a combination of the liquid's temperature and its density (measured with a hydrometer, not pictured). The Wash Stills at Laphroiag run for roughly 5.5 hours, producing low wines at ~35%.
Valve Knobs for the No. 3 Wash Still on the Laphroaig Distillery Spirit Safe.
Other Distilleries Near Laphroaig
Port Ellen, Ardbeg and Lagavulin are the closest distilleries to Laphroaig and within walking distance. Bowmore is a short drive or bus trip away. Caol Ila, Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhain are near Port Askaig and a good group of distilleries to visit together (and you get some stunning views of Jura - or even catch the ferry across the sound and visit Jura Distillery). Bruichladdich and Kilchoman also make an excellent pair.
Where To Stay Near Laphroaig Distillery
There are a small number of
The Trout Fly Guest House is conveniently located in the heart of Port Ellen, making it a great option if you're public transport dependent, or just not wanting to drive everywhere. It is a short walk to the ferry terminal, and several restaurants, including the Islay Hotel.
The family-run Glenegedale House is a beautifully appointed bed and breakfast that has won numerous awards for their hospitality, including the Most Hospitable B&B / Guesthouse for Visit Scotland Thistle Award 2019/20. Located near Glenegedale Airport and the Machrie Golf course, there are four bedrooms available, all with large comfortable beds made up with crisp white Egyptian cotton linens. Each room has an ensuite shower room. And if you follow their social media channels (as I do) you'll see that their meals (breakfast and dinner) look incredibly mouth watering. Glenegedale House would be our choice of accommodation if you have a car or plan to organise a taxi for tours.
For more recommendations, see our guide to Islay Accommodation: The Best Hotels, B&Bs and Holiday Cottages.
References & Further Reading
In A Passion for Whisky Ian Wisniewski provides an excellent education on the processes involved in making whisky, and details Islay's whisky heritage. Ian profiles of each of Islay's ten open distilleries and their different styles of whisky, and even includes an introduction to three Islay distilleries that are currently under construction (Laggan Bay, Portintruan and Ili). A Passion for Whisky will suit whisky fans and novices alike (as there is a lot of educational content for all levels), and was selected as one of Waterstones Best Books of 2023: Food & Drink and featured in Forbes: Whisky Books That Whisky Lovers Will Actually Read. Available in paperback and Kindle.
Ingvar Ronde's annual guide to all things Scotch whisky, The Malt Whisky Yearbook is your go-to guide for distillery facts and stats. With comprehensive and up-to-date distillery summaries, editorials on the state of world whisky, profiles on global whisky trail blazers (the people having the most impact on the industry), the Malt Whisky Yearbook packs in a lot of facts and figures and is an essential Almanac for whisky fans.
Whiskies Galore is not your average whisky book. It is not simply a catalogue of distilleries, but a story of discovery and adventure. Join Ian Buxton on a personal journey across Scotland's islands, combining his expert knowledge of whisky with his fondness for anecdote, as he provides a special treat for all who love Scotland's islands and their drams.
Treating Scotland as eight distinct regions (splitting the Highlands into Central, North, East, and West, plus the usual designations of Lowlands, Islay, Speyside and Islands), the Spirit of Place provides insight and imagery for fifty of Scotland’s greatest distilleries. Beautifully photographed by Lara Platman and Allan MacDonald, this is a captivating modern companion to Alfred Barnard’s great Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom.
One of Amanda's favourite books. Around 1885, Alfred Barnard was secretary of Harper's Weekly Gazette, a journal dedicated to the wine and spirit trade. In order to provide his readers with the history and descriptions of the whisky-making process, Barnard decided to visit all distilleries in Scotland, England and Ireland. Accompanied by friends, he visited and sketched over 150 distilleries. This is a wonderful step back in time and a must have book for a whisky history geek. Last printed in 2023, copies of Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom are disappearing from retailers, so get yours while you still can.