Port Ellen Distillery
Restoration of an Iconic Islay Distillery
After more than four decades of closure, the reopening of the famous Port Ellen ‘ghost distillery’ was a historic moment for Islay and Scotch Whisky.
- Location Islay
- Client Diageo
- Status Complete
- Services Architecture
- Photography Matt Brown
An extensive redevelopment was required to create a distillery which would, in the words of owner Diageo “push the boundaries of innovation, experimentation, and sustainability.” And despite the challenges of material shortages, limited ferry capacity and pandemic delays, the distillery successfully reopened in spring 2024.
Heritage Buildings
Existing buildings, including the distinctive ‘pagodas’, were retained and sensitively restored where possible. Although now purely decorative, ‘pagodas’ were originally designed to provide a well-ventilated space for the malting of barley. Few distilleries now malt their own barley, but the eye-catching design has become a much loved and recognisable feature in the industry.
The Heart of Whisky Making
New additions to the site include the visitor centre, which sits in the footprint of the old distillery buildings. This is joined by a stunning new glass fronted still house providing an unobstructed view into the heart of whisky making. Two pairs of stills include precise replicas of the original ‘Phoenix Stills’ and smaller versions which have been designed for experimentation and innovation.
And it’s a carbon-neutral facility with energy sourced from a biofuel boiler!
Sense of Arrival
Changes to the layout include the reintroduction of the Kiln courtyard. Opening up the courtyard space creates a striking sense of arrival, with a stunning distillery view for visitors approaching from the sea. The distinctive large ‘Port Ellen’ lettering on the side of the warehouse remains unchanged. And to ensure consistency, white render and grey pitched roofs seamlessly blend the old and new buildings.
Luxury Interiors
From inside, uninterrupted views across the bay are offered from the light flooded still room and the spectacular sky-frame window of the visitor centre.
Minimalist, ‘Scandi’ style interiors complement and enhance the architecture. Exposed timbers, white walls and copper panelling mirror the heritage spaces. But the addition of contemporary tiling, lighting and a sweeping spiral staircase create a modern, luxury aesthetic.
Outcome
The reimagined Port Ellen secures a future for production of this revered malt and offers whisky ‘pilgrims’ the luxury experience Diageo envisaged. It’s enviable location and state of the art building have seen it recognised as one of Time Magazine’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ in 2025. A fitting testament to the passion and dedication which has rebuilt this world class distillery.
