Laggan Bay Distillery has filled its first cask of spirit, marking the start of production at Islay’s newest single malt Scotch whisky distillery. The family-owned operation, overlooking the sands of Laggan Bay on Islay’s Atlantic coast, is led by distillery manager Malcolm Rennie, an Islay native with decades of experience in Scotch whisky production.
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READ THE STORYThe distillery takes its name from the windswept Laggan Bay coastline. Bottlenose dolphins are frequent visitors to these waters, an iconic presence reflected in the distillery’s logo.
Leonard Russell, owner of the family business behind the project, framed the milestone as the beginning of a long-term commitment to the island.
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“Filling the first cask at Laggan Bay is an important moment for us as a family business,” Russell said. “We have built this distillery with a long-term vision, knowing the whisky will grow into its own character.”
“We are not here to replicate what Islay already has — we’re here to add to it, with a whisky shaped by its place, our people, and the choices we make from the start,” he added.
Rennie has assembled a new distilling team on the island, focused on shaping a whisky that reflects both place and intent. The early emphasis is on clarity of spirit and balance in flavour.
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“Coming home to Islay to help shape Laggan Bay single malt is something I’m proud of,” Rennie said. “It’s a rare chance to create a new whisky with a strong sense of place, rooted in the character and traditions that define Islay.”
The distillery has also been designed with a focus on sustainable environmental management. The site incorporates wetlands to manage liquid waste and support local wildlife. The business will explore renewable energy solutions in partnership with other local organizations.
Laggan Bay becomes the latest addition to Islay’s renowned whisky-producing landscape, which currently includes established distilleries such as Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin. The island has seen renewed investment in recent years, with several new distillery projects joining the long-standing producers that have defined Islay’s global reputation for single malt Scotch.
The distillery will also focus on contributing to the Islay community through local employment and ongoing investment. Laggan Bay will take part in Fèis Ìle this year. On May 31, 2026, the site will open its doors for a public event, offering an early opportunity to visit the distillery and meet the team behind the whisky that is now maturing.
