Arran Distillery

Arran Distillery was established in 1994 by Harold Currie, who was determined to revive legal whisky-making on the Isle of Arran, an island with a rich but largely unofficial distilling heritage. Construction of the distillery began amidst an interesting event; golden eagles chose to nest nearby, necessitating some adjustments to their building timeline as the species is protected under Scottish law. The distillery officially opened its doors in 1995, making it the first legal distillery on the Isle of Arran in over a century and a half. Since its inception, Arran Distillery has focused on creating a range of single malt whiskies that reflect the character of the island. Over the years, the distillery has embraced innovation, occasionally introducing limited editions and special releases that draw inspiration from various aspects of Scotland’s rich whisky heritage. In the past few years, expansion has been on the horizon for Arran Distillery with the opening of a second facility, Lagg Distillery, inaugurated in 2019. This new distillery on the southern tip of Arran focuses on producing peated whiskies, thus diversifying the offerings of the brand and catering to a broader spectrum of whisky aficionados.

The Arran Distillery is situated in the stunning locale of Lochranza on the Isle of Arran, which lies in the Firth of Clyde off the west coast of Scotland. The geographical setting is defined by its rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and the adjacent waters that significantly influence the water quality used in production. The distillery is fed by the waters from Loch na Davie, a soft water source that is crucial for achieving the purity required in whisky production. The climate on the Isle of Arran is primarily temperate and maritime, with influences from the nearby Gulf Stream contributing to mild winters and cool summers. This climatic condition helps in developing the unique flavors found within Arran’s whiskies, as the temperature variations assist in the maturation process of the casks. The island’s diverse ecosystem and rich soil also play important roles in the overall character of the whiskies, with local barley being utilized in the production. The unspoiled environment surrounding the distillery is not just a visual allure but serves as an integral part of ensuring that every bottle from Arran distillery carries with it the essence of the island.