Port Ellen Distillery, Islay: The Ghost Distillery Reborn

Overview

Port Ellen is Islay’s answer to Brora — a legendary “ghost” distillery, silent since 1983, whose rare old bottlings became some of the most coveted and expensive whisky in the world. In 2024 Diageo reopened it, rebuilt on its old harbour-side site at the town of Port Ellen, restoring one of the great names of Islay peat.

The history

Port Ellen was founded around 1825 and, in the 19th century, was a pioneer — the site of early spirit-still experiments and one of the first distilleries to export to America. It was closed and reopened more than once before being mothballed for good, as everyone thought, in 1983. Its scarce stock turned it into a cult legend, and after a £185-million investment across its Islay estate, Diageo brought Port Ellen back to life in March 2024, blending a recreation of the old character with two new experimental stills.

The water & the land

Port Ellen draws its water from the Leorin Lochs in the hills behind the town.

Like every Islay distillery, Port Ellen stands on the island that was the heartland of Clan Donald and the Lordship of the Isles, ruled from Finlaggan until 1493; by the time Port Ellen was founded the island belonged to the Campbell lairds (Walter Frederick Campbell of Shawfield), who built the planned village of Port Ellen itself.

Visiting

Port Ellen’s new visitor experience is by appointment only — private tours and tastings drawn from its rare archive stock, booked in advance — not a walk-in centre; check the website. It sits right on the harbour at Port Ellen, the arrival point for the Islay ferry.

Nearby & more whisky

• Along the Kildalton coast: Lagavulin
• Also near Port Ellen: Ardbeg
• The whole picture: Scotch whisky — the full guide

Sources

• Port Ellen distillery — Wikipedia.
• Diageo (2024 reopening).