New Islay distillery releases first whisky since 2009.

For over sixty years, Stewart Laing has been honing his skills in the art of whisky-making on the picturesque island of Islay. It was in the 1960s that he first set foot on the renowned whisky island, eager to soak up all the knowledge and techniques that it had to offer.
Little did he know, that fateful trip would plant the seeds of a dream deep within his heart – the dream of one day building his own distillery on the Hebridean island. And after years of hard work and determination, that dream finally became a reality in 2018 with the opening of Ardnahoe Distillery, the ninth distillery on the island.
Now, as Stewart and his sons, Andrew and Scott, raise a glass to celebrate the release of their first whisky from the distillery, they can't help but reflect on the journey that brought them here. It is not only a milestone for the family, but also a significant moment for Islay as it marks the first new distillery to open on the island since 2009.
"Building our own distillery has always been a personal ambition of mine, ever since my days working at Bruichladdich in the 1960s," Stewart fondly recalls. "From finding the perfect plot of land on Islay in 2015, to now seeing our first whisky released, it truly feels like the realization of a lifelong dream for the Laing family."
The Inaugural Release, with its enticing aromas of Islay peat smoke, followed by notes of custard, ginger, lemon zest, and baked apples on the palate, and a lingering smoky finish, is a testament to the traditional methods and techniques used at Ardnahoe. Under the watchful eye of distillery manager Fraser Hughes, the debut whisky was crafted with care and precision, using soft peated water from nearby Loch Ardnahoe and traditional worm-tub condensers – a rare find on Islay – to add depth and complexity to the spirit.
The distillery's malted barley is sourced from Port Ellen Maltings, located on Islay's south coast, allowing the distinct earthy peat smoke flavors to shine through. "Since opening our doors to visitors in 2019, Ardnahoe has welcomed countless whisky enthusiasts from all over the world. And there has been much excitement and anticipation surrounding the release of our first ever whisky in the UK and internationally," shares Andrew.
He continues, "With the Inaugural Release, we are proud to offer a whisky that bears all the hallmarks of an Islay classic in the making."
The Ardnahoe Distillery's Inaugural Release will be available for purchase on 10th May, both online at ardnahoedistillery.com and at the distillery itself. So whether you're a seasoned whisky connoisseur or simply looking to expand your palate, don't miss out on this historic moment for Islay and the Laing family. And for more exciting whisky news, be sure to subscribe to Scottish Field and stay up to date with the latest issue. Cheers!

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