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Laggan Bay
Distillery Fills its First Cask on Islay
Laggan Bay Distillery, the newest
addition to Islay's whisky landscape,
has officially opened and begun
production, becoming the island's 11th
single malt distillery. Developed by Ian
Macleod Distillers—owners of Glengoyne,
Rosebank, and Tamdhu—the project
represents a significant long-term
investment in both whisky-making and the
local community.
Located in Glenegedale beside Islay
Airport and overlooking Laggan Bay, the
distillery sits between Bowmore and Port
Ellen. Designed with an annual capacity
of one million litres of pure alcohol,
it will focus on producing a heavily
peated single malt shaped by its coastal
environment and Atlantic conditions.
Production officially commenced on 2
April 2026, when the first cask was
filled by managing director Leonard
Russell, alongside Tom Russell and
distillery manager Malcolm Rennie. The
moment marked a key milestone as the
distillery begins the long process of
maturing its inaugural whisky.
Rennie, an Islay native with extensive
experience across distilleries including
Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, and Kilchoman,
leads a local team focused on creating a
spirit that reflects both place and
purpose. The aim is to establish a
distinctive house style that complements
rather than duplicates Islay's
established whisky character.
The opening comes amid a broader revival
of Islay's whisky industry. After a
downturn in the 1980s, the island has
seen sustained growth over the past
three decades, including the reopening
of distilleries and new developments
such as Ardnahoe and the revived Port
Ellen Distillery. A further project,
Portintruan Distillery, is also nearing
completion.
Sustainability is central to Laggan
Bay's design, with wetlands incorporated
to treat liquid waste and encourage
biodiversity, alongside plans to explore
renewable energy partnerships. The
distillery also aims to support the
local economy through job creation and
ongoing investment.
Visitors will get an early opportunity
to experience the new site during Fčis
Ěle, when Laggan Bay opens its doors at
the end of next month on 31 May 2026.
Leonard Russell said: "Filling the first
cask at Laggan Bay is an important
moment for us as a family business. We
have built this distillery with a long
term vision, knowing the whisky will
grow into its own character. We are not
here to replicate what Islay already has
– we’re here to add to it, with a whisky
shaped by its place, our people, and the
choices we make from the start."
Malcolm Rennie added: "Coming home to
Islay to help shape Laggan Bay single
malt is something I'm proud of. It’s a
rare chance to create a new whisky with
a strong sense of place, rooted in the
character and traditions that define
Islay."
It will be at least a few years until we
will be able to taste Laggan Bay whisky
but meanwhile there is plenty to choose
from its Islay neighbours which you will find available from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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