Earlier this month, Ardnahoe Distillery made history. The official release of its first whisky cemented its status as Islay’s ninth distillery and drew attention to several records. First, that the whisky is made using the longest lyne arms in Scotch, which stretch to an extraordinary 7.5 metres. Secondly, it points to the use of worm tubs, the only ones to be found on the island. In short, Ardnahoe is intending to make a classic Islay whisky – but one that at the same time is remarkably singular.

“We’re pretty certain that we’ve come up with something quite distinctive and unique,” explains Scott Laing, director at the distillery. It is Hunter Laing, founded by his father Stewart, who dreamed up Ardnahoe. As an independent blender and bottler, they needed a distillery to grow the business. What started out as a lucky glimpse of a slope of land with a stunning view – ‘Ardnahoe’ literally translates as ‘height of the hollow’ in Scottish Gaelic – has now come full circle. The first whisky is here. A bold, vibrant five-year-old expression. And right now, we’re in the still house, drinking in magnificent views across the Isle of Islay to neighbouring Jura, ready for a taste.