A Dream Realized: Ardnahoe Distillery Unveils Its Inaugural Release

As I sat down to write about the latest development in the world of whisky, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and pride. The Laing family, a name synonymous with quality and tradition in the whisky industry, has finally realized their lifelong dream of opening their own distillery on the iconic Islay island. And what better way to celebrate this milestone than with the launch of their inaugural release?

Ardnahoe Distillery, a dream realized

The story of Ardnahoe Distillery is one of passion, dedication, and a commitment to tradition. Stewart Laing, the patriarch of the Laing family, learned the art of whisky-making on Islay in the 1960s. This experience not only shaped his understanding of the craft but also sowed the seeds of his dream to build a distillery of his own. Fast forward to 2018, and the Laing family finally turned their vision into a reality.

A Classic Islay Single Malt

The Inaugural Release is a 5-year-old Islay single malt Scotch whisky, crafted using traditional methods under the watchful eye of distillery manager Fraser Hughes. The whisky is described as a classic sophisticated Islay single malt, with Islay peat smoke on the nose, custard, ginger, lemon zest, and baked apples on the palate, and a long, smoky finish. Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks, the signature Islay characteristics of peat and smoke are balanced with a sweet fruitiness and real depth of flavor.

Ardnahoe Inaugural Release, a classic Islay single malt

A Family Affair

The Laing family’s passion for whisky is evident in every aspect of the distillery. From the use of traditional worm-tub condensers to the careful selection of casks, every detail has been meticulously considered to create a truly exceptional whisky. As Stewart Laing so eloquently put it, “Building our own distillery was a hugely important and long-dreamed-of step, and it’s been a personal ambition of mine ever since I was posted to work on Islay at Bruichladdich back in the 1960s.”

Stewart Laing, a lifelong passion for whisky

A New Chapter

The launch of Ardnahoe’s Inaugural Release marks a significant moment for fans of Islay whisky. This is the first bottling from a new distillery on the island since 2009, and it’s a testament to the Laing family’s dedication to their craft. As I raise a glass to this exceptional whisky, I am reminded of the power of passion, perseverance, and tradition.

Ardnahoe Distillery, a new chapter