Ardnahoe Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Ardnahoe Distillery is the newest addition to the storied whisky island of Islay, Scotland’s legendary home of peated single malt. Founded in 2018 by Hunter Laing & Co., a respected independent bottler with decades of experience in selecting and maturing fine Scotch whisky, Ardnahoe is both a nod to Islay’s traditions and a forward-looking player in the island’s whisky scene. It is the ninth distillery on Islay and the first to be built by an independent bottler in the modern era.

Situated on Islay’s northeast coast between Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila, Ardnahoe commands spectacular views across the Sound of Islay toward the Paps of Jura. The name “Ardnahoe” comes from Gaelic, meaning “Height of the Hollow,” a reference to its elevated site and the loch that provides its crystal-clear water source. This water, drawn from Loch Ardnahoe, is soft and exceptionally pure, ideal for producing a clean, refined spirit.

Ardnahoe’s production is designed to capture the classic Islay character, peated malt, maritime influence, and rich texture, while using traditional methods rarely seen in newer distilleries. Most notably, Ardnahoe employs worm tub condensers, an old-fashioned cooling system that condenses the vapour from the stills in coiled copper tubes submerged in cold water. Worm tubs produce a heavier, oilier spirit, adding depth and richness to the final whisky.

Peating levels are set at around 40ppm (phenol parts per million), putting Ardnahoe in the same bold, smoky territory as many of its Islay neighbours. Fermentation is deliberately long, encouraging the development of fruity esters that balance the peat’s intensity. Distillation takes place in two traditional copper pot stills, each with tall, elegant necks designed to allow some reflux while preserving the heavier spirit style encouraged by the worm tubs.

As a young distillery, Ardnahoe has only recently reached the point where its spirit can legally be called whisky, with initial releases expected to be highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Early cask samples and limited preview bottlings suggest a profile combining smoke, brine, and maritime freshness with sweet fruit and malty depth.

Hunter Laing’s experience as an independent bottler is central to Ardnahoe’s wood policy. The distillery works with high-quality ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and specialty casks to ensure that the spirit will mature into complex, well-balanced whisky over time. While the core range will develop in the coming years, the distillery has already made casks available for private purchase, giving fans the opportunity to own a piece of its early history.

Beyond production, Ardnahoe has become a destination for whisky tourism on Islay. Its modern visitor centre, café, and shop make the most of its stunning location, while guided tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the traditional equipment and processes that set the distillery apart.

Our Ardnahoe selection will expand as the distillery’s inaugural releases become available, offering a chance to taste the marriage of Islay’s rugged maritime environment with time-honoured production methods. For collectors, early bottlings represent a rare opportunity to secure whisky from the newest chapter in Islay’s rich story; for drinkers, they promise a bold, smoky spirit rooted in tradition yet crafted for a new generation.