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. First releases 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
Inaugural Release
50% ABV · Bourbon + oloroso + Pedro Ximénez; peated
Islay's 9th distillery — Hunter Laing's first own-distilled whisky. The inaugural release is sherry-influenced peated Islay.
- Nose:
- Peat, oak, soft sherry, dried fruit.
- Palate:
- Layered — peat, sherry, oak, gentle baking spice.
- Finish:
- Long, smoky, drying.
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.
Where 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.
Where to stay near Ardnahoe
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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