2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
'Pioneering distillery of 1990s whisky revival' in milestone
Lochranza Distillery, the flagship home of Isle of Arran Distillers, is marking three decades since whisky first ran through its stills.
The location. (Image: Isle of Arran Distillers) The island is now home to a second distillery, at Lagg in the south.
The distillery said: 'This year marks a big milestone for Isle of Arran Distillers as the company proudly celebrates 30 years since the opening of its flagship distillery in Lochranza, with spirit having run through the stills for the first time on June 29, 1995.
'What began as a bold move to restore whisky-making to the Isle of Arran has evolved into a thriving, two-distillery operation producing some of Scotland's most admired single malts.'
Arran Single Malt is made at the award-winning Lochranza Distillery, established at the north-west tip of the island.
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The site was 'carefully chosen for its exceptional water source – Loch na Davie – whose waters are naturally filtered through six granite waterfalls before reaching the distillery in the foothills'.
The distillery said: 'As one of the pioneering distilleries of the 1990s whisky revival, Lochranza has remained independent since day one, nurtured by a small, dedicated team of passionate whisky people. The Arran Single Malt embodies a characterful spirit that whisky lovers around the world recognise and trust.
'Moreover, they have an award-winning visitor centre in Lochranza which was awarded Visitor Experience of The Year in 2018.'
Washbacks arriving. (Image: Isle of Arran Distillers) Stewart Bowman has been distillery manager since 2021, following the retirement of industry veteran James MacTaggart.
Lochranza double distills its spirit, maturing it primarily in sherry and bourbon casks. It also innovates with casks that have previously held various wines and spirits.
The distillery also said that while whisky production on Arran officially resumed only in the mid-1990s, the island's roots in distilling run much deeper.
'In the 18th and 19th centuries, Arran was home to numerous illicit stills and even a short-lived legal distillery near the village of Lagg', it added.
The firm said: 'Recent developments include new washbacks for Lochranza Distillery and the construction of warehouses on the island at Lagg Distillery to support long-term maturation and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting stock.'
Sustainability initiatives are also under way, notably an important project in partnership with Caledonian Climate and Dougarie Estate to restore an area of peatland on the island.
It added: 'Today, Isle of Arran Distillers stands as one of the few independently owned award-winning Scotch whisky companies still producing and growing in Scotland.
'The 30th anniversary of the Lochranza Distillery marks more than just a milestone. It's a moment to reflect on a journey defined by independence, integrity, and innovation. Celebrating a trailblazing distillery that was starting up when others were shutting down, insisting on the purest water source, and staying true to their vision of quality whisky.
'But most of all, it is celebrating the memories, the shared moments, and the enduring spirit that connects everyone who's been a part of the unique story. Arran is a spirit that stays with you and a whisky worth reflecting on.'
