Background image - Caolila Whisky Stills

Caol Ila Distillery, Islay

Whisky Year Zero

Scotland's Whisky Coast

We have launched Whisky Year Zero to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1823 Excise Act and the role it played in shaping Argyll and the Isles as Scotland’s Whisky Coast - an area which encompasses four of Scotland’s recognised whisky regions – Campbeltown, Islay, Highlands (Oban and Loch Lomond) and Islands (Jura and Tobermory)

The 1823 Excise Act sanctioned the distilling of whisky in return for a licence fee, and fixed the method of whisky distillation as we know it in Scotland today.

Recognising the significance of the year, particularly to Argyll’s one-time ‘Whisky Capital of the World’, Whisky Year Zero celebrates the destination’s distinct whisky heritage by showcasing the wide range of sites, festivals and experiences whisky lovers can experience in Argyll & the Isles from July 2023 to June 2024.

Discover Scotland's Whisky Coast

Whisky Year Zero (July '23 - June '24) celebrates Argyll & the Isles distinct whisky heritage

There are plenty of whisky offerings throughout Whisky Year Zero, why not visit brand new distillery openings, such as the reopening of the historic Port Ellen Distillery on Islay, more than 35 years after it was closed and almost 200 years since it first opened in 1824 as one of the first distilleries to be licensed after the 1823 Excise Act.

Or visit Glen Scotia, one of three distilleries remaining in Campbeltown, which is offering immersive whisky experiences that take visitors behind the scenes and back in time, to discover more of the history of their whisky, including how the Excise Act led to their hometown town being proclaimed the one-time Whisky Capital of the World.

There is something for everyone throughout Whisky Year Zero. Join the celebration, by seeing and tasting for yourself, how the 1832 Excise Act has shaped Argyll & the Isles into what was once the ‘Whisky Capital of the World’!

Background image - cod_lagavulin_distillery.jpg

WHISKY DISTILLERIES

Embark on a whisky adventure filled with rich whisky and heritage!

Explore

WHISKY FESTIVALS

Celebrate world-class Scotch Whisky!

Explore

Background image - Islay Sea Adventures Whisky

WHISKY REGIONS

Immerse yourself in Scotland's Whisky Coast

Explore

Go Wild About Argyll's Distilleries & Whisky Tasting

< Prev

Next >

Page 1 2

Need some inspiration for your next whisky experience?

Enjoy a collection of our whisky blogs while sipping on a dram, Slainte!

Background image - Glen Scotia Whisky Casks

Why Campbeltown was the Whisky Capital of the World

It may be the smallest of Scotland’s whisky regions today, but Campbeltown used to be the whisky capital of the world, with more than 30 distilleries.