Islay fans rejoice! It has recently been revealed that Ardnahoe distillery are due to release their first expression.
Ardnahoe became the ninth distillery on the island when it was founded in 2017 and their first cask was filled the following year. The distillery was founded by the team at experienced bottlers Hunter Laing & Co.
Despite being a relative newcomer to the Islay whisky scene, and with no whisky of their own currently available, Ardnahoe has already become a popular name among whisky fans. The distillery boasts an impressive visitor centre that offers picturesque views looking out towards Jura.
The Ardnahoe Inaugural Release will be a 5 Year Old single malt matured in a combination of bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 50% ABV.
Islay is renowned for its distilleries producing a distinctive, peated style of whisky, and it looks like Ardnahoe will continue that trend. The distillery produces a variety of spirit using malted barley that is peated to a range of levels (5ppm to 40ppm), which is expected to contribute to a smoky, full bodied whisky.
News of Ardnahoe’s first whisky is the culmination of Hunter Laing’s long journey to establish a distillery on Islay. Before Ardnahoe, the group were involved in the troubled Gartbreck project. There was also some concern for Ardnahoe’s visitor earlier this year when it was announced that they were forced to close their cafe.
Hopefully with these issues behind them, Hunter Laing and Ardnahoe can focus on delivering their promise of ‘A New Islay Classic’.
Ardnahoe will launch their first release on 10th May, with more information to follow in due course.
