Independent Bottler & Distiller

The Islay Boys Ltd

Scottish Independent Bottler The Islay Boys Ltd was set up in 2012 by two Islay boys, Mackay Smith and Donald MacKenzie, both hailing from the Rhinns peninsula on Islay’s western seaboard.

Taking inspiration from companies like Compass Box and Douglas Laing, amongst others, their brands are Flatnöse Blended Scotch Whisky, Bårelegs Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Picti Single Malt Scotch Whisky. All their whiskies are unchill-filtered, and bottled at higher strengths for both richer flavour and persistence, and they have won many medals, including two Golds and the coveted Double Gold at the San Francisco World Sprits Competition in 2020 and 2024.

The Islay Boys Ltd is Islay’s only independent bottler, and is based at Glenegedale opposite Islay’s airport at the Islay Ales Brewery, owned by The Islay Boys Ltd, where warehousing and a brand new bottling line are in commissioning. Within the next few months, all bottling will be done on site, helping to safeguard local employment while adding flexibility and efficiency to the bottling operations. At the same time, and in partnership with Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd, Laggan Bay Distillery is nearing completion on the same site, with production planned to start in the summer of 2025. A brand new and exciting Laggan Bay Islay Single Malt will emerge several years after!

A joint Visitor Centre on site helps to showcase Islay Ales beers, The Islay Boys whisky ranges and of courseLaggan Bay Distillery.