Laphroaig Distillery

The Marmite of Scottish whiskies – you either love this smoky, slightly medicinal dram or hate it – is distilled at one of the most visitor friendly distilleries on Islay. Pronounced 'La-froyg', Laphroaig translates from Gaelic as 'Hollow by the Broad Bay' and the distillery is indeed set in a deeply scenic spot on the southern shores of Scotland's whisky isle, Islay. Tours reveal how much more there is to Laphroaig than just malted barley, yeast and water, and are well worth joining.There is, of course, also a shop on hand with some rare bottlings that make for great souvenirs or presents. May is a good time to visit when the distillery takes part in the annual Islay Festival of Music and Malt.