Ardnahoe Distillery

In 2015, Hunter Laing & Co. Ltd located the perfect four-acre site on the Northeast of the island, with access to the deep Loch Ardnahoe waters. Founded in 2018, it’s a modern distillery, the youngest on the island, set in a stunning location, and it employs rigorously traditional methods and values.

It produces a classically peated style of Islay single malt whisky - smoky, dynamic and full-bodied.

The barley is ground into grist in the beautiful 100-year-old Vickers Boby mill – the only piece of equipment in the distillery which is not new. The copper-domed mash tun creates the clearest wort possible and Oregon Pine washbacks are specially designed and constructed (minimal sap and knots) to optimise conditions for yeast development. The two lantern-shaped copper pot stills have the capacity and design (unusually long descending lyne arms) to allow the vapours plenty of copper contact. Unique to the island is the traditional style of worm tub condenser, in which large copper coils submerged in tanks of cold water allow the vapour to condense gradually. This method, while less efficient, adds texture and complexity to produce a fruity, peaty spirit that’s ultimately appreciated in the glass!

Casks are a mix of bourbon, which impart toffee, honey and vanilla flavours to the whisky, and sherry barrels which give intense flavours of red fruits, brown sugar and spices.

Visitors will enjoy experiencing how modern design works in perfect harmony with traditional techniques and equipment.

Dogs: we warmly welcome dogs on leads in the distillery shop, but they can’t go through to the café and bar. Dog walkers can get takeaway coffee and cake and eat on our picnic benches outside (weather permitting, of course).

OPENING 2026

View and book tours via the website. All visitors are welcome to explore the shop.

Visitor Centre open Tuesday-Saturday 9.30am-5pm (closed Sunday & Monday).

Café & Bar open 9.30am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday, selling hot & cold beverages as well as a wide range of whisky. Cakes, scones & savoury snacks also available. No booking required. Seating subject to availability. (Please note: the sale of alcohol is not permitted until 10.30am.)

Opening times are fixed for the summer season until 31 October. Experience timetable subject to change from July due to staffing levels.

Experiences & flights:

Spirit of Ardnahoe tour: 10am & 2.30 pm Tuesday & Thursday - 1 hour. Children under 8 years not permitted.

Spirit of Ardnahoe tour & cocktail tasting: 10am Saturdays only - 1 hour 30 minutes. Children under 8 years not permitted.

Ultimate Ardnahoe Experience tour & warehouse tasting: 10am & 2.30pm Tuesday & Thursday. Under 18s not permitted.

Tasting flights: 3pm Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday - 1 hour 30 minutes. Under 18s not permitted.

For more information on these experiences and details of whiskies for the flights, visit the Ardnahoe website. Contact the visitor centre on 01496 840777.

Updated 8 April, 2026.