Ardnamurchan distillery

Introduction to Ardnamurchan

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Ardnamurchan is a Scottish Highland distillery that embodies the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern sustainable practices. Situated on the remote and unspoiled Ardnamurchan peninsula, this distillery has rapidly built a reputation for producing spirits of exceptional quality – created with profound respect for ingredients, technique, and the stunning natural environment that surrounds it.

The westernmost distillery on the Scottish mainland, Ardnamurchan benefits from the pure waters of the highlands, the Atlantic sea air, and a commitment to local resources that gives its whisky a distinctive character found nowhere else.

Why we have a soft spot for Ardnamurchan

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that create something truly distinctive – both in flavor and identity. Ardnamurchan stands out for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, being one of Scotland’s most environmentally friendly distilleries that utilizes renewable energy, local resources, and implements a waste management system that truly respects its pristine surroundings.

Their dual production approach – creating both peated and unpeated expressions – allows for a fascinating exploration of Highland whisky styles, demonstrating remarkable versatility while maintaining exceptional quality throughout their portfolio.

The Story Behind Ardnamurchan

Origin and development

Ardnamurchan Distillery was founded in 2014 by independent bottler Adelphi, with the first spirit flowing from the stills on July 25th of that year. Located in the village of Glenbeg on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, the distillery was built with a vision to create authentic Scottish single malt with local roots and uncompromising quality.

Despite being one of Scotland’s newer distilleries, Ardnamurchan quickly established itself in the whisky world when its first core releases hit the market in 2020, earning acclaim from critics and enthusiasts alike for its remarkable maturity and character despite its youth.

The people behind

The distillery is run by a dedicated team led by Alex Bruce, Managing Director of Adelphi, and Distillery Manager Fraser Hughes, who share a profound passion for whisky-making and sustainable innovation. Each batch, each bottle, and each decision reflects their commitment to creating exceptional spirits while preserving the natural beauty of the Ardnamurchan peninsula.

Their approach combines traditional Scottish distilling wisdom with forward-thinking environmental practices, creating a truly 21st-century distillery with respect for heritage.

Craftsmanship and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Ardnamurchan begins with Scottish barley, both unpeated and peated varieties, with all water sourced from the local Glenmore River. The distillery features traditional copper pot stills – one wash still and one spirit still – designed with slightly ascending lyne arms to create a medium-bodied spirit with excellent character.

Ardnamurchan has pioneered the use of blockchain technology to ensure complete transparency, allowing consumers to trace every element of production from barley to bottle – a testament to their confidence in their methods and materials.

Maturation and aging

Aging takes place predominantly in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, with the maritime climate of the peninsula influencing the maturation process in unique ways. The warehouse location, with the Atlantic on three sides, imparts subtle coastal notes to the whisky as it develops depth, complexity, and balance over time.

Limited releases, including single cask expressions, offer enthusiasts the opportunity to experience truly unique expressions of Ardnamurchan’s character, each bottle telling its own story of time, place, and craftsmanship.

Selected Products from Ardnamurchan

Ardnamurchan AD/04.21:03 – An introduction to the house style

This core release perfectly showcases the distillery’s character. A marriage of peated and unpeated spirit matured in bourbon and sherry casks, it delivers notes of orchard fruits, honey, sea salt, and a gentle touch of peat smoke. Its balanced profile and silky mouthfeel make it an excellent entry point for both newcomers and experienced enthusiasts.

At 46.8% ABV, non-chill filtered and presented at natural color, it embodies the distillery’s commitment to authentic presentation.

Ardnamurchan Single Cask Releases – An experience for connoisseurs

These limited-edition bottlings represent the more complex expressions from the distillery, often at cask strength and with distinctive cask influences. Expect rich, layered profiles with pronounced sherry influence or distinctive peat character, depending on the cask selected – bottles for those who truly wish to explore the depths of Ardnamurchan’s potential.

Each single cask release offers a unique window into the distillery’s character, highlighting different aspects of their production approach.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Ardnamurchan offers guided tours that bring you close to their production process – from grain to glass. The visitor center, with its stunning views of Loch Sunart, provides an immersive experience into the distillery’s operations and philosophy.

Tastings typically include 3-5 expressions, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the range while experiencing the unique atmosphere of this remote Highland distillery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ardnamurchan?

Ardnamurchan is a Scottish Highland whisky distillery that produces single malt with a focus on sustainability, local sourcing, and traditional production methods. Their approach combines time-honored distilling traditions with modern environmental practices to create unique flavor experiences that reflect their spectacular coastal location.

Where is Ardnamurchan located?

The distillery is located in Glenbeg on the Ardnamurchan peninsula in the Western Highlands of Scotland. This remote and untouched location, the westernmost distillery on the Scottish mainland, profoundly influences both their production methods and the character of their whisky.

What characterizes Ardnamurchan?

Ardnamurchan is particularly known for its dual-production approach (both peated and unpeated spirits), commitment to environmental sustainability, and transparent production processes. Each bottling bears the hallmarks of careful craftsmanship and clear Highland coastal identity, with a balance of fruit, honey, maritime influences, and varying levels of peat.

Where can I buy whisky from Ardnamurchan?

You can find selected bottles from Ardnamurchan at Vault of Spirits. We hand-pick the finest expressions – both core releases and limited single casks – ensuring you access to something truly special from this remarkable Highland distillery.