EAT, SLEEP & DRINK ARDBEG AT DISTILLERY’S BOUTIQUE HOTEL

< World-class whisky and hospitality experience opens on island of Islay >

#Ardbeg #ArdbegHouse

The world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whisky today opens the doors of its boutique hotel Ardbeg House, offering the island’s visitors and community an extraordinary opportunity to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg. Just a short hop from the Distillery on Islay, this world-class whisky and hospitality experience blends the ultimate in Scottish hospitality with the flavours and legends of Ardbeg’s island world.

Since Ardbeg was saved from extinction in 1997, the whisky has risen like a phoenix to become a niche, cult malt. Its following is so passionate that thousands make the pilgrimage to the Distillery each year. Today, Ardbeg House invites whisky lovers to steep themselves in the Distillery’s smoky universe, morning, noon and night.

Nestled on the shore in the picturesque village of Port Ellen, Ardbeg House (formerly the Islay Hotel) has been designed in collaboration with interior storymakers Russell Sage Studio to celebrate the best of Islay – complemented by handcrafted pieces from more than 20 Scottish and Islay artisans. There are 12 striking suites and bedrooms, which merge playful detail with Ardbeg’s own brand of luxury. Think copper wall art crafted from a retired Ardbeg still, a custom-designed boat chandelier, and buttons labelled “Press for Smoke” which reveal hidden smoky drams.

In the House’s boldly themed Signature Restaurant and the Islay Bar – a much-loved watering hole revived from Islay’s past – visitors and locals alike are invited to enjoy exceptional Scottish food and drink with an Ardbeggian twist.  From hand-dived scallops collected by one of the Distillery’s stillmen to inventive dishes infused with Ardbeg and drams only found on Islay.  Outside, The Untamed Courtyard will feature a handcrafted smoker and grill, courtesy of Ardbeg’s multitalented distillery technician Daniel Branson, offering guests the chance to savour barbequed dishes that mirror Ardbeg’s signature smoky notes.

Whether guests are diehard Ardbeggians or just discovering smoky malt, every detail of the House has been chosen to give visitors a warm Islay welcome:

• Islay life and its legends are celebrated at every turn, from a giant tapestry depicting a contemporary scene on the island. Upstairs, each suite or bedroom is themed to reflect a different aspect of Islay’s story. Guests can discover hidden surprises that evoke the spirit of Islay’s storied past, from its notorious smugglers’ hideaways to its captivating legendary figures, and the mythical creatures rumoured to inhabit its coastlines.

• Scotland and Islay’s food and drink are showcased in the House’s Signature Restaurant. At the heart of the room, the fire table serves as a striking “top table,” bringing guests together for a memorable and communal dining experience night after night. There are Ardbeg-inspired dishes made from local ingredients, along with a mouthwatering range of whiskies, including Islay exclusives Ardbeg Homecoming and Ardbeg House Reserve. For those who are feeling sociable, every Friday the restaurant’s shared Shortie’s Table (named after Ardbeg’s much-loved canine mascot), is a chance to join others and swap stories over a set menu with whisky pairings.

• Immersive experiences give guests the chance to discover more about Ardbeg and Islay: A daily Distillery tour is reserved for guests of Ardbeg House, for a deep dive into the peaty whisky where it all began. There are opportunities to explore Islay’s wild landscapes, abundant wildlife and stunning beaches. And at 18:15 (a nod to Ardbeg’s founding year of 1815), all guests are invited to the Islay Bar for a special ritual – whisky hour – to toast the day and taste Ardbeg Badger Juice. This intriguingly named small-batch whisky has a secret recipe. Poured from a special cask, it will be available only by the dram in the Islay Bar.

Ardbeg President and CEO Caspar MacRae said: “Islay has been Ardbeg’s home for over 200 years – and we are so excited to be sharing this world-class whisky and hospitality experience in the heart of Port Ellen, just a stone’s throw from the distillery. At Ardbeg House, we will immerse the island’s visitors and local community in local stories and Ardbeggian rituals – as well as sharing some very exclusive whiskies.

“Ardbeg House is a one-of-a-kind travel destination which will further enhance Islay’s reputation as one of the best places on the planet for whisky tourism. Whether or not our guests are smoky malt lovers when they arrive, we guarantee that by the time they leave, they will be lifelong fans of Ardbeg and Islay. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and locals through our doors to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg from today.”

Russell Sage said: “A stay at Ardbeg House is truly magical. From the buzz of the Islay Bar, home to locals and visitors alike, to the extraordinary décor in the bedrooms inspired by the myths and legends of Islay and tales from the distillery – a visit appeals to all the senses. This is the kind of place you have to experience for yourself, because there’s nothing like Ardbeg House – it is like nowhere else in the world.”

Ardbeg House offers a warm Islay welcome to all. Make a booking for both the restaurant and rooms for autumn 2025 and beyond at www.ardbeg.com/visitus/ardbeghouse.html

Photography: – Ardbeg House Islay Bar (credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke)

www.ardbeg.com

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IF REQUIRED: 

• Russell Sage Q&A: An extended interview with Russell Sage.
• Design Fact Sheet: Full details of each room’s theme and design, along with detail about the artisans who took part in the House’s transformation.
• Eating, Drinking & Experiences Fact Sheet: Full details about the House’s restaurant, bar, local suppliers and the activities on offer to guests.
• Full credits sheet: including details of all partners and collaborators.

About Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Ardbeg House

Ardbeg House is a world-class whisky and hospitality experience on Islay, which offers the island’s visitors an extraordinary opportunity to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg. Situated in the bustling town of Port Ellen, this 12-bedroom boutique hotel blends the ultimate in Scottish hospitality with the flavours and legends of Ardbeg’s island world. Visitors and locals are welcomed to enjoy the best of Scottish food and drink at the House’s Signature restaurant and the Islay Bar, including exclusive Ardbeg drams. To book, go to www.ardbeg.com

Ardbeg House Reserve

Ardbeg House Reserve is a highly limited 21-year-old whisky available exclusively at Ardbeg’s boutique hotel, Ardbeg House – the ultimate Ardbeggian destination. Aged in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, just 800 numbered bottles of this cask-strength whisky exist. Uniting notes of sea spray, smoke and sweet figs in just 800 bottles, Ardbeg House Reserve is the ultimate memento of a stay on Islay. 

Ardbeg House Reserve Tasting Notes:

ABV:    52.9%

Colour: Mahogany

Aroma: Rich, malty and biscuity, with tangy notes of raisins and sultanas, along with hints of hickory-smoked ham, barbecued spare ribs, and a burst of treacle toffee. The merest splash of water opens the bouquet, to reveal touches of orange oil, honey, burning heather and a hint of old leather.

Taste:   The texture is thick, oily and viscous. It is followed by a powerful hint of oily, tarry peat smoke, tempered by the distinct sweetness of demerara sugar, figs in syrup, aniseed flavoured bonbons and a touch of nut toffee. This is then supplemented by flavours of charcoal, graphite, leather and damp peat bog.

Finish:   Lingering, slightly briny – like olives – with touches of eucalyptus, camphor, menthol and tar

RRP: £400 

Ardbeg Homecoming

This permanent, small-batch release is available exclusively on Islay, at Ardbeg House and at the Distillery. It is intended as the ultimate reward for those who make the pilgrimage to Ardbeg’s island home. Aged in bourbon casks, then in first-fill rum casks, the first batch of this cask-strength release has a distinctly tropical vibe, layering ripe banana, pineapple and spices on classic peaty notes.  

Ardbeg Homecoming Tasting Notes:

ABV:    47.7%

Colour:            Light gold

Aroma: A beguiling mix of smoky fudge, ripe banana and sweet barley malty notes on the nose initially. More fruits like apple and pineapple are layered below. With a splash of water, fragrant pine resin and mossy notes emerge. Then more classic notes of lime juice, fennel, and some subtle apple woodsmoke comes to the fore – ending with spice.

Taste:  The texture is smooth and creamy. Lots of smoky toffee, tar and soot mix with spiced coffee grounds and briny sea spray. These lead into sweeter flavours of banana candies, cocoa powder and shortbread, with a dash of cinnamon.

Finish:   Intense and long lasting. Lots of tarry, sweet smoke lingers, with antiseptic lozenge and menthol, ending in sweet, spiced coffee.

RRP: £120

 Ardbeg Badger Juice 

Available only by the dram in the Islay Bar, this intriguingly named small-batch Ardbeg is the creation of Master Blender Gillian Macdonald. The recipe of each highly limited and unrepeatable batch remains a secret. Guests are invited to enjoy a dram from a special cask at the bar at 18:15 each night – a nod to Ardbeg’s founding year, 1815 – for £5 per 25ml measure. 

BADGER JUICE: Batch 1 

Colour:             Bright gold

Aroma:            Curious, rich and oily, with a distinctive burst of extra-virgin olive oil, along with a hint of gingerbread, nutmeg and soot. A splash of water draws out some fresh, salty, sea-spray notes, tempered with a touch of sweetness, almost like salted-caramel toffee.

Taste:              A lovely, soothing texture, leading into flavours of lime sherbet, spearmint, fudge and aniseed, along with touches of antique leather and creosote. The smoke is always there, but in a beautifully integrated way, intermingled with sugar-coated almonds, menthol and tar. 

Russell Sage Studio

Russell Sage Studio, established in 2005, comprises a thriving team of dedicated interior designers, FF&E designers, planners, restorers and art and antiques experts. Since inception, the studio has built a reputation for creating unique interior stories for five-star hotels, exclusive members’ clubs, premium restaurants, luxury bars and private residences around the world.

The Glenmorangie Company previously collaborated with Russell Sage Studio to refurbish the award-winning boutique hotel, Glenmorangie House, in Easter Ross.

www.russellsagestudio.co.uk

Thomas Johnstone Ltd

With over 157 years of experience, Scotland-based Thomas Johnstone Ltd has a well-earned reputation for delivering excellence in specialist fit-out, manufactured joinery, and comprehensive M&E coordination. Appointed as the main contractor for the Ardbeg House refurbishment, Thomas Johnstone worked alongside Russell Sage Studio to deliver Ardbeg’s vision for a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience.

www.tjl.com 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Highland Single Malt whisky and Ardbeg Islay Single Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

AGED 40 YEARS

2025 Edition

The Glendronach Aged 40 Years is the pinnacle of refinement. The very finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks were meticulously selected and continuously monitored, to be finally chosen at their apex by revered Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. This exquisitely rare Highland Single Malt presents incredible complexity and unparalleled richness.

Expect an intense crescendo of black currant and bramble compote, luscious prune and raisin wine interwoven with velvety cinnamon laced chocolate espresso.

70cl · 43.9% ABV

£4,749.95

ADD TO BASKET

Experience the pinnacle of sherry cask mastery from The Glendronach Distillery. Exceptionally rare and refined, The Glendronach Aged 40 Years embodies four decades of patient maturation and expert cask selection. Matured in the finest Spanish oak casks sourced from the bodegas of Jerez, Andalucía, this extraordinary Highland Single Malt has quietly developed its depth and complexity in our traditional dunnage warehouses.

Only the most exceptional Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks were chosen—meticulously selected and carefully nurtured under the watchful eye of our esteemed Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, until they reached their absolute peak. The result is a whisky of remarkable richness and layered complexity—an exquisite and rare expression of Glendronach craftsmanship.

EXCEPTIONALLY RARE
HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT

The Glendronach is renowned for producing rich and complex Single Malts, traditionally aged in specially selected Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. The latest editions to The Glendronach family are exceptional in their rarity; highly aged in the finest sherry oak, these Single Malts present the ultimate expression of sherry cask selection and mastery from The Glendronach Distillery.

They have arrived!

It’s time for our September Launch!!!

How is it nearly the end of September already? This month we’ve reined in the Decadence a little, aiming for a more bank-friendly outturn (which is why you’ll notice the absence of a Whiskyland release). But that doesn’t mean we’ve sacrificed quality or drifted from our ethos. From day one it’s always been about showcasing exceptional spirits, and these releases are true to that—they’re still very much us.

This month’s line-up:
Blended Scotch 12 Years Old
Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old
Deanston 27 Years Old
Glencadam 13 Years Old
Old Pulteney 11 Years Old

VIEW ALL

The Grand Whisky Auction September 2025 Auction ENDS TONIGHT

The auction closes on Tuesday, 30th September from 9:00pm (BST)

________________________________

Are you interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

📞 +44 (0)1463 210 427

📧 sales@tgwa.com

Old Particular Secret Speyside 14 Years Old

At Douglas Laing we are Fanatical About Flavour. Each of these Single Cask Single Malt and Grain bottlings are a celebration of taste above all else – chosen for their exceptional character, depth and individuality. We have purposefully kept the distillery ‘Secret’, setting aside expectations, inviting you to explore each dram with an open mind. Allow the Whisky to speak for itself through aroma, palate and finish… release your inner connoisseur!

£79.17

Our Old Particular Single Casks are a particularly sought-after range of individually-selected Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch Whiskies from all over Scotland. Each is bottled exactly the way the Distiller intended: without colouring or chill-filtration, and at high alcohol strength. This combination allows the cask to retain the naturally present oils, fats and enzymes in the spirit that enhance the quality of the nose, the mouthfeel and flavour profile of the Whisky.

Augusta Limited Edition

Buckner’s

Single Barrel 13 Year

63.65% ABV | 127.3 Proof

A true Kentucky bourbon, this limited release whiskey unmistakably captures your attention and rewards you from nose-to-finish. Aged 13 years in new, charred oak barrels, Buckner’s offers an understated potency with exceptional balance, commemorating the distillery’s inaugural bottling. This unfiltered cask strength bourbon has a rare complexity that can only be found in a true Kentucky bourbon with properly aged maturity. Exotic spice and caramel notes are directly complemented by hints of buttery cream and cured tea leaves. Each sip provides an unforgettable experience that instantly returns you to the limestone hills of Kentucky only to demand further exploration.

Shop Now$239.99 | 750 ml

2025 SPIRIT BRAND OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve been named finalists for 2025 Spirit Brand of the Year in the 26th Annual Wine Star Awards by Wine Enthusiast! It’s an honor to be recognized among such inspiring leaders in the industry.

AN EXCLUSIVE 30 YEAR OLD 1995 SPRINGBANK CASK HEADLINES BONHAMS SPIRITS SALE

Sale: WhiskyLocation: Edinburgh

Date:

• 22^nd September – 7 October (Curated Spirits: A Belgian Collection Unlocked & Other Rarities)
• 22^nd September – 14 October (A Campbeltown Legend; 1995 Springbank – Rare Sherry Cask)

About The Bonhams Network

WHISKY BOTTLER LAUNCHES OLDEST RELEASE IN RARE MIZUNARA CASK

The landmark triple-first from Saltire Rare Malt features a lost Lowland distillery, ultra-rare virgin Japanese Mizunara oak, and the company’s debut single grain bottling.

Falkland, Fife: September 2025 – Scotland’s fastest-growing independent bottler Saltire Rare Malt proudly announces the launch of its oldest release to date and first-ever single grain Scotch whisky.

A 20-year-old single grain distilled at the ‘lost distillery’ Port Dundas, finished in an exceptional virgin Japanese Mizunara Oak Butt, one of the rarest and most expensive oaks in the world.

Bottled at original cask strength, this Limited Edition release of just 558 bottles forms part of the company’s ‘Lost Distillery Series’, a tribute to Scotland’s vanished whisky landmarks and the enduring legacy of rare casks left behind.

Available exclusively from 12th September 2025 at: https://www.saltireraremalt.com

Ultra-Rare Virgin Mizunara Oak
Sourced from the now-closed Port Dundas Distillery in the Lowlands, this extraordinary single grain whisky was finished in virgin Japanese Mizunara oak – one of the most prized and costly cask types in the world, adored by collectors. Bottled at a natural 59.7% ABV, and free from chill filtration and artificial colouring, this limited bottling is a true collector’s piece and a connoisseur’s dream.

Curated by Whisky Royalty
Assembling the Saltire Rare Malt Collection is Hans & Becky Offringa – known internationally as ‘The Whisky Couple’ – a trusted part of the Saltire family and with incomparable guidance and advice. If curators Hans & Becky disapprove of a sample, the cask will not be bottled.

For the Port Dundas 20-year-old limited edition release, whisky lovers can expect a vibrant and complex profile:“Red fruit (cherries), cedar wood, waffles and maple syrup, warm leather” writes The Whisky Couple. “A nice, full and complex dram. A vintage convertible with leather upholstery and a wooden dashboard, basking in the sun with its passengers enjoying a sweet treat.”

Commenting on their oldest release to date, Saltire Rare Malt Founder & Director Keith Rennie said: “The spirit of Saltire Rare Malt is defined by patience, precision and care. Every cask is meticulously nurtured and only released when it has reached perfection.

“This latest release is a milestone – our oldest, rarest single grain, finished in the extraordinary Mizunara oak. It is both a celebration of the artistry of whisky-making and a tribute to the heritage of Scotland’s lost distilleries, a piece of history for collectors and enthusiasts to treasure.”

A Measure of Time & Taste
Saltire Rare Malt are bottlers of a unique range of limited-run single malt whiskies. The independent bottling company was born from a longstanding partnership between friends & Founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie. The pair have worked together for three decades, before moving into the whisky world to collect fine and rare single malts. A shared passion for the ‘water of life’ led to the creation of Saltire Rare Malt – a global vehicle to share their outstanding collection of Single Malt Whiskies.

The founders felt that 2024 would be a good year to launch the very first bottlings of Saltire Rare Malt, 530 years after the birth of Scotch Whisky – in the beautiful, historic town of Falkland. Among Saltire Rare Malt’s meticulously curated collection are ‘well-known labels’, ‘rare gems’ and casks from ‘lost distilleries’ with Single Malt Scotch Whisky releases that are ‘never rushed or hurried – they’re bottled when the right time arrives’.

The Saltire Rare Malt Collection is available to buy online on their website at: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/

About Saltire Rare Malt Whisky
Saltire Rare Malt are bottlers of a unique range of limited-run single malt whiskies. The independent bottling company was born from a longstanding partnership between friends & Founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie. The pair have worked together for three decades, before moving into the whisky world to collect fine and rare single malts. A shared passion for the ‘water of life’ led to the creation of Saltire Rare Malt – a global vehicle to share their outstanding collection of Single Malt Whiskies.

The founders felt that 2024 would be a good year to launch the very first bottlings of Saltire Rare Malt, 530 years after the birth of Scotch Whisky – in the beautiful, historic town of Falkland. Among Saltire Rare Malt’s meticulously curated collection are ‘well-known labels’, ‘rare gems’ and casks from ‘lost distilleries’ with Single Malt Scotch Whisky releases that are ‘never rushed or hurried — they’re bottled when the right time arrives’.

W: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/
I: https://www.instagram.com/saltireraremaltwhisky
F: https://www.facebook.com/people/Saltire-Rare-Malt-Whisky/61554723364117/

About The Whisky Couple, Hans & Becky Offringa:
Hans Offringa is an international author and whisky expert who has worked in the industry for over 30 years. An inductee of the Whisky Hall of Fame, a Kentucky Colonel and a Keeper of the Quaich, Hans is a judge at the Scottish Whiskies Awards and the World Whisky Awards and serves as Director on the Advisory Board of The Council of Whiskey Masters.

Becky Lovett Offringa is a Keeper of the Quaich and co-author of numerous whisky books. Becky is a well-respected judge at the Scottish Whisky Awards and the World Whiskies Awards. She also is a Member on the Advisory Board of the Council of Whiskey Masters. Becky and Hans, internationally known as ‘The Whisky Couple’, are trusted partners of the Saltire family.

About Falkland, Fife; The Birthplace of Scotch Whisky
Falkland is a beautiful Scottish market town in the Kingdom of Fife, built around the 12th century Falkland Palace. 1494 saw the first record of Scotch Whisky. King James IV, staying at the Palace, issuing the famous order: “8 bolls of malt to Friar John Cor, werewith to make the ‘water of life”. This can be considered the birth certificate of Scotch Whisky. Saltire Rare Malt is now situated in the market square opposite Falkland Palace. Over 530 years after the birth of Scotch whisky, its story has now come full circle.

Tasting Mizunara Oak

We invite you to take a deeper journey into Glengoyne Mizunara Oak guided by the insights of Glengoyne Distillery Manager, Robbie Hughes. In a recent tasting within the quiet of Warehouse Seven, Robbie reflects on the extraordinary nature of Mizunara oak, its rarity, challenges, and the remarkable influence it imparts on our spirit.

Join Robbie as he shares his first impressions of this rare expression and the story behind its creation.

Robbie Hughes, Distillery Manager

A Cask Unlike Any Other

Sourced from Japan, Mizunara oak is revered for its scarcity and complexity. The oak’s porous nature and low tannin content create a maturation environment that is both subtle and transformative. Expect aromas of vanilla, sweet toffee, sandalwood incense, and lemon zest, followed by a palate that evolves from fleeting sweetness to warming spice, licorice, and a gentle woody dryness. Notes of coconut and crisp green apple linger, reminding us that while Mizunara brings something new, the heart of Glengoyne remains unmistakable.

“We’ve never produced a whisky with flavours like this” 

Robbie Hughes, Distillery Manager

Taste Mizunara Oak

On The Fine & Rare Tour

Visit our award-winning Glengoyne Distillery for a tutored tasting of four of our finest and rarest whiskies, now including Glengoyne Mizunara Oak, alongside the Glengoyne 30 Year Old Sherry Oak whisky, and a side-by-side comparison of our 24 Year Old White Oak and 25 Year Old Sherry Oak whiskies.

This is a showcase of the unique flavours from North America, Spain, and Japan.

VISIT GLENGOYNE

Slàinte Mhath,

The Glengoyne Team