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Everything you need to know about Ardnahoe Distillery
Most popular bottles from the bottler
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Ardnahoe 5 Year Old Islay Whisky Inaugural Release£99.94 Inc VAT
A brief History
Ardnahoe, Islay Region, Scotland. Founded in 2018
A New Voice from Islay’s Wild North
Ardnahoe might be the new kid on the block, but it’s already turning heads. Tucked between the dramatic cliffs of northeast Islay and the calm waters of Loch Ardnahoe, this young distillery is the first new build on the island in over 15 years. Founded by the family-run independent bottler Hunter Laing & Co., Ardnahoe began distilling in 2018 and officially opened its doors to the public in 2019.
What makes Ardnahoe special? It blends traditional techniques—like old-school worm tub condensers—with a modern approach to whisky-making. The result? Spirit with depth, texture, and a distinct coastal identity. The distillery’s mission is pretty clear: craft smoky Islay single malts with a fruity backbone and loads of personality.
Whether you’re just getting into peat or you’ve been sipping Islay malts for decades, Ardnahoe offers something refreshing—but still unmistakably Islay.
Flavour Profile:
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 |
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| Peaty / Smoky |
Fruity |
Oaky / Woody |
Ardnahoe is known for its full-bodied, smoky and fruit-forward single malts. The distillery puts a strong focus on traditional methods—using worm tub condensers for added richness—and carefully selects a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry casks to shape the spirit.
Key flavour characteristics include:
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A gentle, earthy peat smoke that doesn't overpower
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Dried fruit sweetness, like fig and raisin
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Bold oak spice and hints of wood resin
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Smooth vanilla and soft baking notes
It’s Islay, but with a sweeter, rounder edge.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Oak / Wood Spice |
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Dried Fruits (Raisins, Figs, Dates) |
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Vanilla |
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Peat Smoke |
Most Popular Bottles
Flagship Releases and Noteworthy Bottlings:
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Ardnahoe Inaugural Release (5 Year Old) – The first whisky from the distillery. Matured in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, bottled at 50% ABV.
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Ardnahoe “Infinite Loch” Series – A series of evolving vatting-style releases.
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Warehouse Cask Selection – Available only at the distillery, usually drawn straight from single casks.
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Society Bottlings & Limited Editions – Special cask strength editions released to fans and members.
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The Bottler
The Distiller: Ardnahoe
Address: Ardnahoe Distillery, Port Askaig, Isle of Islay, Argyll, Scotland, PA46 7RN
 Open in maps |
 ardnahoedistillery.com |
 +44 (0)1496 840777 |
Visitor Centre & Opening Times
Yes – Ardnahoe has a visitor centre that’s well worth the trip. It’s beautifully designed and overlooks the Sound of Islay with views across to Jura.
Facilities include:
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Guided tours (including production areas)
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A well-stocked whisky shop
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Tasting sessions (from core to collector-level drams)
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The “Illicit Still” café serving local food and coffee
Typical opening hours:
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Monday to Sunday: 09:30–17:00
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Tour times vary and booking is recommended, especially during summer months.
Ownership & History
Current Owners:
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Hunter Laing & Co. – A family-owned independent bottler based in Glasgow. Stewart Laing and his sons, Andrew and Scott, lead the team.
Key Dates:
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2015: Planning and site selection begin
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2016–2017: Construction starts
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Late 2018: First distillation
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April 2019: Official public opening
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2024: Release of the Inaugural 5 Year Old
Ardnahoe is their first purpose-built distillery and a passion project rooted in years of blending and bottling knowledge. The name ‘Ardnahoe’ means “Height of the Hollow” in Gaelic—a nod to the site’s position overlooking the loch.
Bottler Facts
Overview & Location
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Ardnahoe Distillery is located on the Isle of Islay, Scotland — home to several of the world’s most iconic peated whiskies.
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It is the newest distillery on Islay, officially opening in 2019.
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Founded by Hunter Laing & Co., a well-known independent bottler of Scotch whisky.
Production & Distillery Style
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Ardnahoe uses traditional wooden washbacks and twin copper pot stills with extra-long lyne arms — designed to create a balance between rich body and elegant spirit.
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Water is sourced from Ardnahoe Loch, located nearby.
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The distillery produces a lightly to moderately peated style of spirit, aiming to blend Islay smoke with Highland-style fruitiness.
Maturation & Cask Policy
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Whiskies are matured on-site in a variety of cask types, including bourbon, sherry, and wine casks.
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All spirit is matured in Islay’s coastal climate, adding salty maritime character over time.
First Releases
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Ardnahoe’s first single malt is anticipated to launch around 2025–2026, as the spirit reaches legal maturity (minimum 3 years aged, but they’re aiming for older).
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In the meantime, the distillery sells independent bottlings from other distilleries under the Hunter Laing brand, such as Scarabus and Hepburn’s Choice.
Visitor Experience
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The distillery has a modern visitor centre, café, and views over the Sound of Islay.
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Quickly becoming a popular stop on the Islay whisky trail due to its stunning setting and new-generation approach.
Summary Style
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New, modern Islay distillery with a traditional heart.
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Balances peat smoke with refined, fruity distillate.
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Expected to be a key player in Islay's whisky future once their own aged releases arrive.
Ardnahoe Whisky to Buy
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