Islay Whisky Distilleries
Persabus, the Gateway to the North Islay Whisky Distilleries
Persabus enjoys an ideal location, with three Distilleries on its doorstep, and offers plenty of opportunities for exploring Islay Whisky Distilleries.
Our neighbour, Caol ila Distillery is just a short walk away.
A farm track leads you through the fields, and to the tiny village of Caol ila and here you can enjoy the delights of Caol ila Distillery and its new visitor centre. See the Striding Man Statue. Enjoy whisky cocktails from the bar. Take in the stunning panoramas of the Sound of Islay where the puffer boats of yesteryear used to transport the casks of Islay malt to the mainland for blending.
Ardnahoe Distillery
Ardnahoe Distilley , the newest of Islay’s whisky distilleries, is just a short journey along the single track road from Persabus. Enjoy tours and tastings, browse the shop in their fantastic visitor centre, or enjoy hearty lunches, good coffee, or something a little stronger in the Illicit Still Cafe.
Venture further along the road and as beautiful views unfold across the sea to Jura, you will wind your way to Bunnahabhain Distillery. On this journey it will not just be about whisky. You may well be treated to the magical sights of Golden Eagles, Sea Eagles, Otters and deer. Bunnahabhain is a paradise for wildlife, and well worth a visit.
Persabus is a short walk from the bus stop where you can hop on a bus that will take you all the way to Ardbeg Distillery. Enjoy a day wandering along the Distillery Path and enjoy the delights of Islay’s South Islay Distilleries. You will be able to walk to Laphroaig Distillery and Lagavulin Distillery, and even the fishing village of Port Ellen. Alternatively hop off at the main village of Bowmore. Pop to Bowmore Distillery , the oldest of Islay’s whisky distilleries. Afterwards, make sure to visit one of our favourite restaurants, Peatzeria, and enjoy delicious seafood pizzas, salads, pastas and cocktails. Definitely worth booking a table, and if the weather allows enjoy alfresco dining with a table at the edge of the shores of Lochindaal.
At the end of the afternoon, enjoy a bus journey home to Persabus where, in the cooler months, you can relax in front of a cosy fire, or in summer, sit out, with a wee dram and enjoy the pinkie glow of the setting sun. Staying out for the evening? Just book one of our local taxis in advance and they will shuttle you home to Persabus, with a good story or two, along the way.
Bruichladdich Distillery is steeped in character with oodles of local charm. It also distills the fabulous Botanist Gin. With whisky and gin tastings and tours and cocktail experiences it is always a popular choice. Our daughter is even featured on Bruichladdich’s Valinch no. 22.
Kilchoman Distillery is Islay’s farm distillery. Enjoy the process from field to bottle as they grow their own barley. Kilchoman Distillery also has a fantastic visitor centre and restaurant. I love the fact that it is also ideally located for exploring one of Islay’s most famous beaches, Machir Bay. Walk off the whisky and cake along the beautiful golden sands, and enjoy the tranqulity of the waves of the Atlantic Ocean breaking gently on the shore. In warm weather the rockpools at the far end of the bay are ideal for a quick dip, deep enough for a swim, and warmed by the sun soaked sand.
The Fletcher family have close ties with all Islay’s whisky distilleries. With our younger clan having each enjoyed summer jobs as tour guides in Laphroaig Distillery, Bruichladdich Distillery, Bunnahabhain Distillery, and in the new Johnnie Walker Centre in Edinburgh.
A wealth of whisky knowledge and a lifetime of being neighbours to Caol ila Distillery, enjoy a good ‘local stay’ on our farm at Persabus, and meet our very own character, the island’s Happy Farmer.
