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 2025-26

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

Café open 9.30am-4.30pm (until November), 10am-3:30pm (from November), serving hot & cold refreshments, cakes, scones and whisky. Tours: £12 (increasing to £15 from November). Approx one-hour duration.
Warehouse No1: Approx 90-mins duration (runs to November, when it is replaced with Ultimate Ardnahoe). £50.
Ultimate Ardnahoe: Production tour followed by full warehouse tasting. Approx 2-hour duration. £60.
Self-guided tastings: Available from the bar throughout the day. No booking required. These tastings are not tutored by a member of staff, but come presented on a tasting mat with information for a relaxed, self-guided dramming experience. Prices range £14-£260.

Winter timetable from November:

Tuesday: 10.30am Tour, 1pm “Ultimate Ardnahoe”
Wednesday: 10.30am Tour, 1:30pm Tour
Thursday: 10:30am Tour, 1pm “Ultimate Ardnahoe”
Friday: 10:30am Tour, 1:30pm Tour
Saturday: 10:30am Tour, 1pm “Ultimate Ardnahoe”

Contact the visitor centre on 01496 840777.

Updated 20 October, 2025.