List of products by brand Ardnahoe Distillery

Ardnahoe: the new frontier of Islay peated whisky. From its stillhouse, the view sweeps across the Sound of Islay and the Isle of Jura, a panorama that inspires a deep connection with the land and the sea.

The island of Islay, the spiritual birthplace of the most iconic and peaty Scotch whiskies, welcomed a new member to its prestigious family of distilleries in 2018: Ardnahoe.

Founded by the Hunter Laing family, a historic name in the world of independent bottlers, Ardnahoe is not only the island's ninth distillery, but also a project that combines Islay's ancient tradition with a modern vision and a meticulous production philosophy.

Location and Philosophy

Located on the northeast coast of Islay, between the famous Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain distilleries, Ardnahoe enjoys a spectacular location.

From its stillhouse, the view sweeps across the Sound of Islay and the island of Jura, a panorama that inspires a sense of profound connection with the land and the sea.

This connection is reflected in the choice of the name itself, "Ardnahoe," which in Scottish Gaelic means "height of the bowl," a tribute to the evocative lake of the same name from which the distillery draws its pure water.

Ardnahoe's philosophy is based on the pursuit of uncompromising quality, with particular attention to every stage of the production process.

The goal is to create an Islay single malt that is at once maritime and peaty, yet also complex, rich, and fruity. To achieve this, the distillery has introduced some technical choices unique to the island.

Production: an art of tradition and innovation

1. Water and peat: The water used to produce the whisky comes from nearby Loch Ardnahoe. This natural source, filtered through layers of rock and peat, gives the distillate a clean, mineral character. Ardnahoe sources its malted barley from Port Ellen Maltings, the only maltster on the island, specifying a peat level of approximately 40 ppm (parts per million of phenols). This peat content is at the high end of Islay whiskies, ensuring a distinctive, distinctive smokiness without being overly aggressive.

2. Slow distillation and "Worm Tubs": Ardnahoe is distinguished by its extremely slow distillation, which takes place in two lantern-shaped copper stills. These custom-built stills have the longest "lyne arms" (the arms connecting the still to the condenser) in Scotland, measuring 7.5 meters. This length increases the contact of the alcohol vapor with the copper, helping to purify the distillate and impart a lighter, fruitier character.

But the real peculiarity, unique to Islay, is the use of "worm tubs" (coil condensers). Unlike modern plate condensers, worm tubs are copper tanks filled with cold water in which a long spiral tube is immersed. This condensation method, although more expensive and less energy efficient, produces a richer, oilier, and fuller-bodied "new make spirit" (the freshly produced distillate), which adds complexity and creaminess to the final whisky.

3. Maturation: Maturation is another fundamental aspect of production. Ardnahoe uses a selection of high-quality casks, primarily ex-Bourbon casks made from American oak and ex-Sherry Oloroso casks made from European oak. This combination of woods allows for the development of a varied aromatic profile. The ex-Bourbon casks contribute notes of vanilla, caramel, and fruit, while the ex-Sherry casks contribute aromas of dried fruit, spice, and chocolate, perfectly balancing the peaty character of the spirit.

The Character of Ardnahoe Whisky

The result of this meticulous process is a whisky that stands out for its elegance and complexity, even at a young age. Ardnahoe's "new-make spirit" is already known for its fruity notes and smooth texture, which serve as the perfect foundation for aging.

The expressions released so far, such as the acclaimed Ardnahoe 5 Year Old Inaugural Release and its flagship expression, Ardnahoe Infinite Loch, demonstrate a distinctive sensory profile:

Aroma: The Islay smokiness is present, but it's more of an elegant and enveloping smoke than an aggressive explosion. It blends with notes of citrus, yellow-fleshed fruit, vanilla, and a touch of saltiness.

Palate: The flavor is rich and creamy, with a perfect balance of peat, sweet dried fruit and caramel, and a pleasant spiciness. The mouthfeel is almost velvety, a clear result of the worm tubs.

Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with smoke giving way to notes of black pepper and a lingering salinity, reminiscent of the proximity of the sea.

Ardnahoe is rapidly establishing itself not only as the newest addition to Islay, but as an innovator that respects the past while laying the foundations for a future in which