Established 1779. The distillery is located in the village of Bowmore and is the oldest distillery on Islay. The Bowmore distillery has close proximity to the sea and dominates the beach. As the largest village on Islay, Bowmore is the geographical and administrative centre of the island and lies near the head of the shallow Loch Indaal. The village swimming pool was converted from a distillery warehouse and is heated with waste heat from the distillery. Water is sourced from the Laggan River. There are three floor maltings and a kiln in use.
The whisky is classic Islay. Although lighter than the distilleries to the south and heavier than those to the north, Bowmore is a complex, well-balanced malt with coastal characteristics displaying a beautiful floral persona.
Today the Bowmore distillery is owned by Suntory.