Ardnamurchan Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Ardnamurchan single malt Scotch whisky comes from one of Scotland’s most remote and sustainably operated distilleries, located on the rugged Ardnamurchan Peninsula in the western Highlands. Opened in 2014 by Adelphi, a respected independent bottler with a reputation for sourcing exceptional casks — the distillery has quickly built a loyal following for its quality-driven, environmentally conscious approach and its rich, coastal-influenced spirit.

The location is as dramatic as it is isolated: Ardnamurchan sits on the shores of Loch Sunart, surrounded by mountains, forests, and open sea. This wild setting isn’t just scenic, it plays a role in shaping the whisky’s style, with maritime air and clean Highland water influencing the maturation environment.

From its inception, Ardnamurchan has committed to sustainable production practices. The distillery is powered entirely by renewable energy, using biomass boilers fuelled by local woodchip to heat the stills, and hydroelectricity generated on-site. Spent grain is used as cattle feed for local farms, and by-products are treated in an anaerobic digestion plant.

Production is split evenly between peated and unpeated malt, allowing the team to create a variety of flavour profiles. Barley is sourced from Scottish farms, and mashing, fermentation, and distillation are carried out slowly to maximise flavour. Long fermentation times of around 72 hours encourage the development of fruity esters, while distillation in traditional copper pot stills results in a weighty, textured spirit.

Maturation takes place primarily in a mix of first-fill American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish oak sherry casks (both oloroso and Pedro Ximénez), with smaller amounts of other wine casks used for special editions. Warehouses on the peninsula expose the casks to cool, damp, and salty air, imparting a subtle maritime quality to the whisky.

Ardnamurchan’s first widely available single malt release arrived in 2020, and since then the AD core bottlings have been produced in small batches, identified by batch codes. These whiskies typically marry peated and unpeated spirit matured in both bourbon and sherry casks, creating a balanced profile of fruit, smoke, and maritime depth.

In addition to its core expressions, the distillery produces single cask bottlings, limited editions, and special collaborations, all of which tend to sell out quickly due to high demand and limited supply.

Flavour-wise, Ardnamurchan single malt often opens with aromas of sea spray, lemon zest, orchard fruit, and light campfire smoke. The palate combines sweet malt, vanilla, and citrus with richer sherry notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and spice, while a thread of coastal salinity runs through the experience. The finish is long and warming, with lingering smoke and gentle oak tannin.

Our Ardnamurchan Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection includes the core AD bottlings, sought-after single casks, and special limited editions that reflect the distillery’s philosophy of producing high-quality, sustainable Highland whisky. Whether you’re interested in supporting environmentally responsible distilling or exploring a modern coastal malt with depth and character, Ardnamurchan offers one of Scotland’s most exciting new whisky stories.