Our Story

The original Islay. The pioneer.

Bowmore is the first licensed Islay distillery.

It has stood on the shores of Lochindaal, a sea loch opening out into the wild Atlantic Ocean, since 1779.

To this day, the distillery still operates in traditional ways, honouring the origin whisky-making techniques. Bowmore is still hand crafted today.

Time is invested at every stage. And this care and attention to detail create the unique and timeless house style of Bowmore. Unparalleled single malts that remain unimitated and age like no other on Islay.

The Art of Time®

Time has shaped Islay’s coastal landscape which in turn has inspired the approach to life that makes Bowmore an outstanding whisky.

The Inspiration

Bowmore has drawn inspiration from its stunning surroundings.
Islay is home to some of the oldest strata in the world. These rocks have been shaped by the wild elements of Islay over a long period of time. Transformed by seasons, enriched by the wild elements.
These formations surround our distillery and they are linked to the origins of our name itself.

Bowmore, the origins of our name

Some historians believe the name Bowmore to be derived from a small black reef just outside Lochindaal whilst others reference the Norse for sunken rock, bogha mor, as its origination. Whichever may be true, there is a strong link back to our home and heritage which ‘Art of Time’® both qualifies and celebrates.

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