Benbecula Distillery - Isle of Benbecula

Benbecula Distillery: A Unique Scottish Experience

Benbecula Distillery offers a truly remarkable experience for visitors seeking to delve into the world of Scottish whisky and appreciate the transformation of a historic building. Located in the picturesque Isle of South Uist, Scotland, the distillery boasts a fascinating story and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. It’s more than just a distillery; it’s a distillery, a cafe, and a welcoming visitor center, all housed within a beautifully restored salmon factory. This unique blend of heritage and innovation makes it a destination that appeals to both whisky enthusiasts and those simply seeking a memorable day out.

Location and Accessibility

The distillery’s address is Gramsdale HS7 5QP, United Kingdom. Its location on the Isle of South Uist provides a tranquil and scenic setting, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. The distillery is easily accessible, with ample free parking available on-site. Furthermore, it prioritizes accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible car park, wheelchair-accessible entrance, and wheelchair-accessible seating. There's also a dedicated wheelchair-accessible toilet, ensuring that all visitors can comfortably enjoy the experience. The surrounding area offers stunning coastal views and opportunities for exploring the natural beauty of the Outer Hebrides.

Specialties and Tours

Benbecula Distillery’s core offering revolves around its single malt whisky, produced using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. The distillery’s story began with a vision to revitalize a forgotten part of the island’s heritage. The former salmon factory, a landmark in the community, was meticulously renovated and transformed into a state-of-the-art distillery. Visitors can participate in guided tours that provide insights into the whisky-making process, from grain to bottle. These tours are led by knowledgeable staff and often include a tasting session, allowing guests to sample the distillery’s signature whiskies. The cafe offers a selection of refreshments and locally sourced treats, complementing the overall experience. The visitor center provides a space to learn more about the distillery’s history and the surrounding area.

Amenities and Services

Benbecula Distillery is committed to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors. They offer a range of on-site services, including gift shop sales and opportunities to purchase bottles of whisky to take home. Payment methods are readily accepted, with credit cards and debit cards being processed securely. For those looking to explore the island, there is free of charge street parking available. The distillery also embraces inclusivity, offering gender-neutral toilets, and is known to be LGBTQ+ friendly, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. The facility consistently receives positive feedback regarding its modern design and well-maintained facilities.

Visitor Feedback and Reputation

The distillery currently boasts 17 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting a strong and positive reputation. The average opinion is a remarkable 4.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting the consistently high level of satisfaction experienced by visitors. This strong rating suggests a dedication to providing exceptional tours, delicious whisky, and a welcoming environment. The distillery's owner, Angus, is frequently mentioned in positive reviews, praised for his passion, knowledge, and genuine hospitality. Visitors appreciate his personal involvement and the opportunity to learn about the distillery’s origins and future plans. The recent refurbishment of the salmon factory has been particularly well-received, with many commenting on the stunning transformation and the quality of the facilities. The overall atmosphere is described as modern, welcoming, and engaging, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The distillery’s success is a testament to the dedication of its team and the unique charm of the Isle of South Uist.

Contact Information

For further information or to book a tour, please visit the distillery’s website: benbeculadistillery.com. Alternatively, you can contact them directly by phone at 1870772330.

👍 Reviews of Benbecula Distillery

Lin U.

5/5

Did a tour of the distillery and met Angus, the owner. He explained how he started the venture and also his vision for its future. He is a very humble man. The venue was very modern and well worth a tour.

Sue H.

5/5

Great newly refurbished salmon factory becomes state of the art iconic lighthouse distillery! We loved our personal tour and tasting session! Thank you - and good luck!

Ann M. L.

5/5

Called for lunch yesterday. We had a look around the visitor centre which was very interesting. We then had lunch, soup and a seafood wrap. Portions were huge and the wrap was delicious. Generous filling and delicious coleslaw and side salad. Service was excellent. Thank you again for an enjoyable visit.

Weavers P.

5/5

Delicious Cullen Skink for lunch, served with a smile. Lovely building too, well done Angus, Hector and staff.

Phill C.

3/5

Visited the shop and café, which is set in a beautiful building. We were warmly greeted at the door and offered tastings of their rum, gin, and whisky – a nice introduction that created high expectations.

We sat down in the café for lunch. Orders are taken at the table, and a young waitress came over to take our drink order. We mentioned we were ready to order food, but she said she would return shortly. Unfortunately, we waited over 30 minutes without any follow-up. Eventually, we had to get up and ask at the counter for our food order to be taken.

By the time we ordered, one of the dishes we wanted was no longer available. A member of the kitchen came out to tell us they had just served the last one – frustrating, considering we were ready to order half an hour earlier when it was still in stock. We ended up cancelling the remaining meal and left without eating or buying any alcohol.

The young waitress seemed inexperienced and lacked confidence, which is understandable if she’s new to the job – we’ve all been there. However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the service was disorganised and left us disappointed. To their credit, the staff at the counter were apologetic when we cancelled, but by then the experience had already soured.

A real shame, as the setting is great and the food coming out of the kitchen looked excellent. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to enjoy it due to poor service and a lack of communication.

Kelly M.

5/5

Great food, coffee and service! We will definitely be paying another visit to the distillery on our next trip to Benbecula. Alanna is so helpful and friendly too!

Dave S.

5/5

Lovely space staff were very helpful and the food was very tasty and reasonably priced. Cullen skink and seafood wrap were both amazing

Paniz G.

5/5

Really cool modern venue in a beautiful setting. Their cafe is a great stop for lunch.