Ardnahoe
Full Islay food & drink guide — distilleries, restaurants, where to stay, when to go.
Islay’s newest distillery, opened in 2019 by long-established independent bottler Hunter Laing. The visitor centre has some of the best views on the island across the Sound of Islay.
Ardnahoe is Islay's newest distillery — opened 2019 by independent bottler Hunter Laing — with some of the best views on the island looking across to the Paps of Jura. The spirit is young and heavily peated, with the worm tub condensers creating a heavier character unusual in newer Scottish distilleries. The sold-out Inaugural Release has given way to a proper core — Infinite Loch and Bholsa, both at 50% — and both have been well-received. The visitor centre is outstanding for a new operation.
Visiting Ardnahoe
Contact distillery
Port Askaig, Isle of Islay
PA46 7RN
- Shop
- Café/Restaurant
- Parking
Core range
Infinite Loch
50% ABV
The first permanent core bottling, taking over after the Inaugural Release sold out — heavily peated Islay spirit through worm tub condensers, bottled at 50%.
Bholsa
50% ABV
The second core release — a sherried, heavily peated companion to Infinite Loch, also at 50%.
Food pairings
| Whisky | Food | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ardnahoe NAS | Smoked fish or BBQ | Young, smoky spirit suits bold smoky flavours. |
Getting there
Ferry to Islay (Kennacraig–Port Askaig). 10 min north by car from the ferry.
Kennacraig–Port Ellen ferry (Islay) — The Kennacraig–Port Askaig sailing lands nearer this distillery; the linked guide covers the Port Ellen crossing from the same port.
Ferry times, fares and booking on TripSCOTWhere to eat nearby
- Port Askaig HotelHotel/Bar
Ferry terminal hotel — 10 min south.
- Ardnahoe visitor centre caféCafé
On-site café with excellent Jura views.
Where to stay near Ardnahoe
Ardnahoe is the newest distillery on Islay (2019), on the north coast overlooking the Sound of Islay. Port Askaig is 4 miles south; Bunnahabhain is 4 miles west along the coast. The distillery has a café with panoramic views. Port Askaig Hotel is the logical overnight base for this corner of the island.
Closest to the distillery, at the ferry.
Highly rated Islay B&B.
Hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering within easy reach of Ardnahoe.
Booking links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Location
Port Askaig, Isle of Islay, PA46 7RN
View on map →Frequently asked questions
+Is Ardnahoe worth visiting?
Yes — the views are among the best on Islay, and the Hunter Laing family are passionate about the island. The café is excellent.
+When was Ardnahoe founded?
2019 — making it Islay's newest distillery.
+Where is Ardnahoe distillery?
Ardnahoe is in Islay. Postcode PA46.
+When was Ardnahoe distillery founded?
Ardnahoe was founded in 2019, making it roughly 7 years old.
Compare with similar distilleries
Most similar philosophy to Kilchoman (new Islay farm distillery). Views and setting rival any distillery in Scotland.
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