A dynamic new force in the Scotch whisky industry, Isle of Arran Distillers is one of the few remaining independent distilleries in Scotland. They are based at Lochranza on the Isle of Arran, one of the most beautiful and famous in Scotland which lies off the west coast between Ayrshire and Kintyre. Arran is a unique island known as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, for it has all of the scenery of Scotland, with mountains and lowlands, glens, lochs and royal castles (including one at Lochranza).

Early in the 19th century there were more than 50 whisky distilleries on Arran, most of them illegal and carefully hidden from the eyes of the taxmen. The malt was acclaimed at the time as the best in Scotland, only rivalled by those from the ‘Glen of Livet’. In modern Arran distillery was only launched in 1995, in one of the most beautiful locations in Scotland. Only the traditional methods of distilling are used, with wooden washbacks and copper stills designed to their exact specification.

The location offers perfect water for whisky production, cleansed by granite and softened by peat as it comes down from the mountain above. The atmosphere of sea breezes and clear mountain air together with the warm flow of the Gulf Stream matures the Arran Malt to perfection in earth floored warehouses. Arran are now developing sales of their brands across the world in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Arran is a unique island, and the products created by this young distillery are similarly unique. No peat is used in the production process and no caramel or artificial colouring – unlike most other whisky companies. The distillery describe their whiskies as ‘the true spirit of nature’.

Production commenced at 14.29 on Thursday 29th June 1995 and during the official opening ceremony on August 17th two golden eagles, who live on the mountain behind the Distillery, provided a fly past as a ‘thank you’ for halting building work for several weeks to allow them to hatch their chicks. On a warm summer’s day they can still be found, floating high on the thermal currents, before dropping like a stone hunting their quarry.

ARRAN BARREL RESERVE

The brand new Barrel Reserve is a fresh, light and elegant no-age-statement Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It is 100% matured in Bourbon Barrels and is going to become your go-to dram for every occasion – to be served neat, with ice or in a longer drink or cocktail.

Nose: Fresh grass sweetness, lemon tart, biscuity malt and tart apple skin.

Palate: Malty, with Curiously Cinnamon cereal, vanilla fudge and green apple alongside a faint sea breeze.

Finish: Vanilla oak and lots of aromatic spice, with salted caramel and a handful of orchard fruit.