Ardnahoe Distillery

Stewart Laing's family roots in the whisky industry stretch back to 1949, when his father founded a blending company. After the family's company was split between brothers in 2013, Stewart formed Hunter Laing & Co. with his sons Andrew and Scott. The ambition to build a distillery on Islay crystallised quickly: plans were submitted to Argyll and Bute Council in January 2016. By October 2017 construction was underway, with foundations completed. The first spirit ran on 14 October 2018 and the first cask was filled on 9 November 2018, with the distillery officially opening in April 2019. It was opened by Lord Robertson of Port Ellen. By November 2019 it had already welcomed 24,000 visitors and earned a five-star VisitScotland rating. The inaugural single malt whisky — a 5-year-old expression matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso casks — was released in summer 2024. The initial investment was £12 million.

Water is sourced from Ardnahoe Loch, which lies immediately above the distillery on the hillside. The still house runs one wash still and one spirit still. A distinguishing feature is the use of old-style worm-tub condensers — a traditional wooden condensing vessel — rather than the modern shell-and-tube condensers used at every other Islay distillery. Worm tubs produce less copper contact during condensation, creating a heavier, more sulphury, meaty new-make spirit. Annual capacity is 900,000 litres. The four-acre (1.5-hectare) site is compact but well-appointed, with a visitor centre, retail shop, and whisky bar.

With worm-tub condensers the spirit is characteristically heavier and more textured than most Islay malts — the reduced copper contact retains more sulphur compounds that, with maturation, evolve into rich meaty and fruity complexity. The inaugural 5-year-old release (summer 2024, 50% ABV) was matured in a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso casks. Early notes suggest a robust maritime character — peat smoke, sea spray, vanilla, dried fruits — with an unusual meaty depth from the worm-tub condensation. The name Ardnahoe comes from the Gaelic for "height of the hollow."

The visitor centre near Port Askaig offers tours with views over the Sound of Islay towards the Paps of Jura. By November 2019 the distillery had already received a five-star VisitScotland rating. A physical shop and online shop are both available. Book tours and check current schedules at ardnahoedistillery.com.