Suntory Global Spirits, formerly known as Beam Suntory, has submitted a planning application to Argyll & Bute Council for an ambitious expansion of Laphroaig Distillery on Islay. The initiative aims to modernize the facility and enhance the visitor experience.
The plans include enlarging the stillhouse and increasing the number of stills from seven to eleven. Additionally, twelve new washbacks and a new mash house are slated for installation, alongside the restoration of the original ground floor maltings building, currently housing the Laphroaig visitor centre.
Following community consultation, adjustments were made to the plans, such as reducing the size of the access road and optimizing the layout to minimize the distillery’s vehicle footprint. Despite the scale of the project, operations at Laphroaig Distillery will continue uninterrupted during construction.
With approximately 29,000 annual visitors, Suntory aims to relocate the visitor centre to a more suitable location within the distillery grounds, potentially creating a dedicated space for local businesses to provide services.
Craig Martin, General Manager of Manufacturing Operations UK and Ireland at Suntory Global Spirits, emphasized the historic significance of the investment: “Laphroaig Distillery has not seen transformative investment in over a century. Our proposed enhancements will not only elevate the visitor experience but also bolster production capabilities and sustainability measures.”
The plans reflect Suntory’s commitment to Islay’s heritage and community, with proactive engagement with local stakeholders to shape the project’s final details. Pending approval from the council, the expansion project will mark a pivotal milestone in Laphroaig’s storied legacy.
