Islay Ales


This microbrewery in a craft-shop complex by Islay House produces a range of real ales, all bottled by hand. After a complimentary tour, you can taste the ales for free, and buy a bottle or two to drink outdoors or back home (the brewery doesn’t have a bar licence). Our favourite is Saligo Ale, a refreshing, summery pale ale.

The brewery is located at Islay House Square, a collection of craft shops and studios 3 miles northeast of Bowmore at Bridgend.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Bowmore Distillery

2.45 MILES

In the centre of Bowmore, this distillery malts its own barley. The tour begins with an overblown marketing video, but is redeemed by a look at (and taste…

2. Bruichladdich

4.5 MILES

A couple of miles from Port Charlotte, Bruichladdich (brook-lad-dy) is an infectiously fun distillery to visit and produces a mind-boggling range of…

3. Finlaggan

4.66 MILES

Three miles from Port Askaig, tumbledown ruins of houses and a chapel on an islet in a shallow loch mark what remains of the stronghold of the Lords of…

4. Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve

4.71 MILES

Seven miles north of Port Charlotte is Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve, where you can hear corncrakes in summer and see huge flocks of migrating ducks, geese…

5. Museum of Islay Life

5.77 MILES

Islay’s long history is lovingly recorded in this museum, housed in the former Free Church. Prize exhibits include an illicit still, 19th-century crofters…

6. Islay Natural History Centre

5.81 MILES

Under the Islay SYHA in Port Charlotte, this centre has displays explaining the island’s natural history, with advice on where to see wildlife and lots of…

7. Kilchoman

6.97 MILES

Likeable Kilchoman, set on a farm, is one of Scotland's smallest distilleries. It grows and malts some of its own barley here and does its own bottling by…

8. Caol Ila

7.33 MILES

Pronounced ‘cull ee-lah’, Caol Ila is located a mile north of Port Askaig. It's a big, industrial set-up but enjoys a wonderful location with great views…