Did you know that, in 1833, there were 12 licensed distilleries on Islay?
Of the current distilleries, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Lagavulin and Laphroig were in existence.
Port Ellen was producing and there was a second distillery at Lagavulin (this, I think, was Ardenistiel, which was trying to duplicate Laphroaig).
Additionally, there were 2 distilleries on the western shore of Loch Indaal (Port Charlotte & Octomore - both south of where Bruichladdich now stands), 3 on the road between Bowmore and Port Askaig (Daill, Newton and Lossit) and another distillery (Tallant) in the vicinity of Bowmore.
Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila were yet to be built.
What a range of choices!!!
By the 1850s, there were also Scarabus, Mulindry, Killarow and Ardmore (no, not the Speyside one). Caol Ila had also begun production.
Thanks to Mark Reynier, CEO of Bruichladdich, for this information.
PS - this article will be refined as I receive more information. See the link to “The Lost Distilleries of Islay” for further information.
