Portintruan Distillery
About the distillery
Portintruan Distillery is an upcoming Islay project located just outside Port Ellen on the island's south coast. The name derives from the historic farm estate where the distillery sits, and means ’place of the stream’. The construction has been driven by a clear idea that the whisky experience should be central from day one: guests should not be an afterthought, but involved in the planning all the way up to the opening. With distillation expected to start in 2026 and a focus on both traditional methods and modern technology, Portintruan is a destination that promises to be something special.
History
The first sod was turned in late 2020, and since then the work has progressed ’brick by brick’. The team speaks of an intense ramp-up phase, both technically and organizationally, where they have had to learn new engineering and construction concepts along the way. As construction now approaches completion, the stillhouse and maltings are becoming a concrete part of the story: the stills are being moved into their final positions, and the maltings will soon be ready for use. The distillery is expected to begin distilling in 2026, led by Georgie Crawford, and the ambition is to take the next step from bottler and blender to a proper distilling company.
Raw materials and production
Portintruan emphasizes old-style production combined with modern technology to improve process and quality. In the maltings they use traditional floor maltings, and they are in the process of installing the equipment-related infrastructure, including malt silos (10 x 60 tonne capacity). In the stillhouse they are working with direct-fired stills, described as a first for Islay. When raw materials and processes can be tested, the plan is to experiment broadly: malting, mashing profiles, yeast, fermentation times, and the many variables in the distillation process, so that new spirit profiles can be developed toward four distinctly different and unique spirit expressions.
Whiskies
Portintruan is still under construction and therefore does not yet have a concrete, finished whisky range to show here. Instead, the project lays out its plans for future products: the aim is to manage more malting and process variables so that four distinctly different and unique spirits, clearly rooted in Islay, can be created. The broad experimental phase, which will begin when raw materials and production can be tested, is a central part of the portfolio ambition.
Visit the distillery
The public can look forward to visiting Portintruan when the distillery opens in 2026. The aim is that the guest experience is not an afterthought: it has been considered from the final construction phase. On site there are plans for a world-class whisky bar as well as a bar and restaurant, which can be used for tastings, dinners and events. At the same time, training rooms and facilities will be available for courses and workshops, including the General Certificate in Distilling—so Portintruan will become a hub for whisky production, learning and tasting.
Philosophy and craft
Portintruan is built on an ethos that places the distillery at the heart of the community. It's about sharing the passion for whisky and production and creating spaces where people—local and international—can meet, come together and enjoy each other's company. The project combines old-style production techniques with modern technology for process and quality and also includes a clear sustainability focus, collaborating with Islay Energy Trust and the island's other distilleries and suppliers to take opportunities that can make the operation greener.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a major factor in Portintruan's plans.
They are working with Islay Energy Trust, as well as other distilleries on the island and suppliers, to take every opportunity to become greener.
They aim to be as green and responsible as possible within what is feasible on Islay.