Lochranza (Isle of Arran)
Pair Lochranza (Isle of Arran) with a round
Arran's first legal distillery for more than 150 years, founded in 1995 in the village of Lochranza on the island's northern tip. Non-chill-filtered core range at 46% ABV gives the whisky real weight for a young Islands malt; 2019 brought a second Arran distillery at Lagg in the south.
Isle of Arran Distillers opened in 1995 — Arran's first legal distillery for over 150 years — and has produced consistently excellent, non-chill-filtered single malt for three decades. The 10 and 18 Year Old are both outstanding. The Machrie Moor peated expression is excellent. The Lagg distillery (opened 2019 on the south of the island) expands the range. The island itself is one of the most accessible and beautiful in Scotland.
Visiting Lochranza (Isle of Arran)
Contact distillery
Lochranza, Isle of Arran
KA27 8HJ
- Shop
- Café/Restaurant
- Parking
Core range
10 Year Old
46% ABV · American oak ex-bourbon + sherry
Best-value young Highland-style malt under £40. Non-chill-filtered at 46% — punches above its age statement.
- Nose:
- Vanilla, citrus, soft oak, faint sea air.
- Palate:
- Fresh and clean — vanilla, soft fruit, gentle oak, faint salt.
- Finish:
- Medium, clean, slightly oaky.
18 Year Old
46% ABV · American oak + sherry, longer maturation
Arran has matured into one of Scotland's better-value premium age statements. Worth seeking out before broader market discovery pushes the price.
- Nose:
- Honey, oak, soft dried fruit, gentle spice.
- Palate:
- Rich and rounded — honey, oak, soft sherry, baking spice.
- Finish:
- Long, sweet, oak drying.
Food pairings
| Whisky | Food | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Year Old | Arran cheddar (aged) | Arran's famous cheese is a natural local pairing. |
| 18 Year Old | Dark chocolate or fruit cake | The richer aged expression suits complex sweet flavours. |
Getting there
CalMac ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick (55 min), then 30 min drive to Lochranza. Very accessible from Glasgow.
Where to eat nearby
- The Stags PavilionRestaurant
Lochranza — good food near the distillery.
- Brodick cafésArea
Main ferry port — several good cafés.
Where to stay near Lochranza (Isle of Arran)
Arran distillery is in Lochranza in the north of the island, reached by CalMac ferry from Ardrossan (55 min to Brodick, then 14 miles to Lochranza). The Lochranza Hotel overlooks the castle; there are also B&Bs and self-catering in the village. Brodick (south end) has more accommodation. Lagg distillery (12 miles south on the coast road) can be combined in the same day.
Walking distance to the distillery.
Main village — larger range of accommodation.
Where to stay near Lochranza (Isle of Arran)
Hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering within easy reach of Lochranza (Isle of Arran).
Booking links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Location
Lochranza, Isle of Arran, KA27 8HJ
View on map →Frequently asked questions
+How do I visit from Glasgow?
Train to Ardrossan Harbour (1 hour from Glasgow Central), then CalMac ferry 55 minutes to Brodick. Total: 2 hours. Excellent day trip or overnight.
+Is the 10 Year Old really that good?
Yes — it's consistently cited as one of Scotland's best-value single malts. Non-chill-filtered, natural colour, and excellent quality at a fair price.
+Where is Lochranza (Isle of Arran) distillery?
Lochranza (Isle of Arran) is in the Islands. Postcode KA27.
+When was Lochranza (Isle of Arran) distillery founded?
Lochranza (Isle of Arran) was founded in 1995, making it roughly 31 years old.
Compare with similar distilleries
Most similar in style to Glengoyne for light, unpeated character. The Machrie Moor compares to lighter peated Islay expressions.
Other distilleries owned by Isle of Arran Distillers
Distilleries that share Lochranza (Isle of Arran)'s corporate parent — useful context if you're comparing house styles within an owner's stable.
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