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Scotsman
01-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
30 years in the making: What makes Arran's Lochranza Distillery a ‘really special place'
'It's a real focal point for us as a business to make sure that we are offering an incredible experience for people coming in through the door' – Stewart Bowman Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In the storied world of whisky making, where some of Scotland's most famous distilleries date back two centuries or more, 30 years may seem like the blink of an eye. Yet, as it celebrates three decades since the first liquid gold ran through its spirit safe in 1995, Lochranza Distillery can eye its future on a sound footing having become a must-see visitor attraction on the Isle of Arran, and a revered name among discerning drinkers far and wide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That first spirit ran in June 95 and the very first cask was filled on August 15 of that year, just ahead of the distillery officially opening its doors. Distillery manager Stewart Bowman at the Lochranza Distillery and visitor centre on the Isle of Arran. So, it comes as little surprise to find Isle of Arran Distillers honouring this current milestone year, and month, with the launch of 30 limited-edition Palo Cortado sherry casks, which will be filled precisely 30 years to the day from that initial casking in 1995 - Isle of Arran being one of the few distilleries in Scotland to offer cask sales directly. Stewart Bowman, who joined as distillery manager in November 2021 and has previously worked for industry giant Diageo and maverick craft beer maker BrewDog, describes the island distillery as a 'really special place' to work and live near. 'We benefit from an incredible set of surroundings here, with the hills and the wee villages that we have, and the sea of course,' he beams. 'It feels like I've been here for quite a while now, but in a good way. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It was a bit of a leap of faith to start the distillery and it's fair to say Arran went through its growing pains in those early years before they had a ten-year-old. To honour its 30th anniversary, the distillery is offering 30 limited-edition New Fill Palo Cortado Sherry casks. 'Our MD [Euan Mitchell] has always made sure that our whisky is accessible and affordable. Our total maximum capacity is just over one million litres so we are a relatively small site. The focus is on lower quantities of very high quality whisky and Arran is finding its identity more and more.' Lochranza, which lies on the northern shores of an island often described as 'Scotland in miniature', was one of the first of a new wave of distilleries that opened in the 1990s. Following a decision to locate the production of peated single malts elsewhere on the island, the firm opened the striking-looking Lagg Distillery on the southern shores of Arran in 2019. The Arran Single Malt produced at Lochranza has gained international acclaim for its vibrant character and award-winning range, becoming something of a modern classic since its debut in the 1990s. Produced from pure Loch na Davie water, the whisky is matured in a variety of casks, from bourbon and sherry to rare wine. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To tie in with its milestone birthday, the distillery will also be releasing a limited edition 30-year-old single malt, available to buy from its visitor centre in Lochranza from November. It is limited to just over 300 bottles given the small stocks from 1995 in its inventory. Lochranza distillery manager Stewart Bowman. Bowman, who holds a degree in brewing and distilling, says the site is drawing in increasing numbers of visitors, from across Scotland and further afield, thanks to its unique location and a growing fascination and appreciation for the process of whisky making. 'There is more of a focus these days on offering an experience,' he asserts. 'When I think back to visiting distilleries in the Highlands there would be a shop and a couple of bottles and that was about it. 'It's a real focal point for us as a business to make sure that we are offering an incredible experience for people coming in through the door. They are able to come in, get something to eat, grab a cup of tea, have a look round, have a tour with one of our guides, have a tasting and really immerse themselves in what we do at Arran. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We can impart a little bit more of that knowledge and that passion about the whiskies that we produce.' Spirits sales globally have been under pressure from cost-of-living constraints triggered by the pandemic and sticky inflation, with recent trade tariffs presenting a further headache. Major players including Johnnie Walker maker Diageo and Chivas Brothers owner Pernod Ricard - Scotland's two largest volume whisky producers - have seen sales and profits diluted as a result. Investment Bowman insists that Isle of Arran is faring well and continuing to invest in the business, with capital expenditure progressing at both sites, including new condensers at Lagg. 'The trade wars, the cost-of-living crisis and Covid - all of these factors put a huge amount of pressure on everyone,' he says. 'We are feeling that as an industry in general. Scotch whisky sales are down and it's definitely hitting the blended side rather than the single malts. However, 99-point-something of what we do goes to our own single malts, so it maybe hasn't hit us as hard as some. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'People are more mindful of what they are buying as there is less cash in their pockets. Having the whisky being affordable and accessible is a really good thing. And we are in a number of different markets around the world and that's helped to mitigate some of the volatility,' he adds. An on-site expansion project in 2022 and into 2023 at Lochranza saw equipment added to allow it to produce up to 1.1 million litres. Bowman assures that has not come at the expense of quality and consistency. 'Those washbacks have allowed us to increase production without having an adverse effect on quality. That is something that is very close to my heart. We did not want to change the character of the Lochranza spirit.'
The National
28-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Scottish distillery to release exclusive casks for 30th anniversary
Isle of Arran Distillers will be marking 30 years of the Lochranza Distillery by offering 30 limited edition new fill Palo Cortado sherry casks, filled exactly 30 years to the day after the very first cask was filled on August 15, 1995. Lochranza is one of Scotland's few remaining independent distilleries and is one of two in Arran alongside the newer Lagg distillery in the south of the island. READ MORE: World's oldest single malt whisky to be released by Highland firm Palo Cortado is described as an "exceptionally rare and coveted" sherry, known for its unique combination of Fino's delicate flor aging and Oloroso's oxidative depth. Each Palo Cortado cask will feature a unique, commemorative stencil which will stand out from all other casks to mark the anniversary. Stewart Bowman, Lochranza Distillery manager (Image: Isle of Arran Distillers) Euan Mitchell, managing director at Isle of Arran Distillers, said: 'As we celebrate 30 remarkable years since our very first spirit ran through the stills here in Lochranza, we're incredibly proud to remain independent, producing award-winning whiskies and inviting enthusiasts to be part of Arran's legacy. "This special cask offer is a wonderful and unique way to join us in marking this milestone.' The limited-edition anniversary casks will be filled on August 15 and are each priced at £7250. All purchases will include 10 years of insurance and storage. Stewart Bowman, Lochranza Distillery manager, added : 'We've just received these wonderful casks from Spain, and the quality of the wood is outstanding. "It's a real privilege to have such special casks in our warehouse. I'm genuinely excited to see how the classic Arran Single Malt flavours will evolve into a fine, complex, and truly exceptional dram.' You can visit Arran Whisky's website to register your interest in buying a cask and to find more information here.
Forbes
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World Best Blended Scotch Whisky, According To The World Whiskies Awards
A glass of Blended Scotch whisky being sampled (Photo by Jeff) The World Whiskies Awards (WWA) are among the world's most prestigious whisky competitions. Below is a brief background and tasting notes on the top Blended Scotch Whiskies from the 2025 WWA. Although the list includes some legacy distillers, there are also some lesser-known producers, some of which represent exceptional value. The Borders Distillery was the winner in the NAS category. It is the first Scotch whisky distillery in the Scottish Borders since 1837, focusing on malt and grain whiskies. Their products often emphasize local heritage and innovative craftsmanship. This whisky is not yet available in the US but is expected to be released sometime in 2025. It is currently available from UK internet-based vendors. The whisky showcases a balanced mix of grain and malt whiskies, offering flavors of fig jam, butterscotch, and raisins along with orange zest and ripe apples. The finish is sweet, slightly floral, with lingering fruit notes. Ardray, a new blended whisky from Suntory, was a Gold Medalist in the NAS category. Blended by Suntory's Japanese team, the whisky is 'a Scottish expression based on Japanese blending principles.' It features subtle notes of peat smoke and vanilla around a core of orchard and stone fruit, described as a 'lightly-peated Hibiki with just a bit more punch.' Woven, a Leith, Scotland-based whisky blender that uses innovative finishing techniques to create unusual aroma and taste profiles, was the other Gold Medalist in the NAS category. Its Homemade Blended Scotch Whisky was crafted from two Speyside single malt whiskies that were finished in Palo Cortado and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks. The blend is roughly 72% malt whisky and 28% grain whisky. The unusually high proportion of malt whisky makes Homemade more of a blended malt than a blended whisky. Woven is not yet available in the US but is available from UK internet vendors. Glencairn whiskey glasses on a wooden server with a whisky barrel in the background. Scottish Leader, produced by Burn Stewart Distillers, was the highest rated whisky in the 12 Years & Under category. The whisky is known for its exceptional smoothness and balanced flavor profile. At an average retail price of $17, it's also one of the best values for a blended Scotch whisky and is a perennial medalist in whisky competitions. The whisky offers a smooth profile with hints of cooked cereal/malt, toffee sweetness, honey, candied citrus zest and light peat smoke. The finish is relatively short but satisfying with a lingering spiciness and oak notes. Dewar's, one of the most recognized Scotch whisky brands globally, was a Gold Medalist in the 12 Years & Under category. It was founded in 1846 by John Dewar and has been crafting blended Scotch for over a century. It is among the best-selling blended Scotch whiskies in the US and another perennial medalist in whisky competitions. Dewar's 12 YO, also known as 'The Ancestor,' is double-aged for extra smoothness, featuring a complex array of honey, fruit, and floral heather notes, with a subtle oak background. It finishes long and creamy with a hint of almond. White Heather, a lesser-known blended Scotch whisky, won the 13 to 20 Years category. The whisky is a carefully crafted blend with a high proportion of malt whiskies, matured and blended by GlenAllachie distillers. It features malt whiskies from Speyside, Islay, and the Highlands that have been matured in American and Spanish Oak casks. The whisky is elegant and balanced, presenting layers of fruit compote, vanilla, and caramel, intertwined with mild smoky notes. A subtle maritime saltiness enriches the palate, and the finish is long and fruity with lingering spice notes. The Dewar's Double Double series is known for its unique four-step aging process, which includes a final stage in Sherry casks, enhancing complexity and smoothness. The whisky is rich and luxurious, with deep notes of ripe fruits, sweet honey, and dark chocolate, enhanced by a hint of spice. The palate is velvety, leading to a beautifully long, sherried finish. These Scotch whiskies were all Gold Medalists at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. Some like Dewar's are among the world's best-known blended Scotch whiskies, legacy brands that have been sold worldwide for over a century and are readily available. Others like Woven or The Borders are new craft distillery startups, testing the boundaries of blended Scotch whisky's aroma and taste profile. The established, though little-known brands like Scottish Leader and White Heather are even more intriguing. They represent exceptional quality and value and are relatively easy to find. Either way, if you like Blended Scotch whisky, there are a few new brands to discover and a few more to reacquaint yourself with among this list of the World's Best Blended Scotch Whisky. See also The World's Best Blended Scotch Whiskies and The World's Best Single Malt Whisky According To The World Whiskies Awards for additional recommendations.
South China Morning Post
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Your Hong Kong weekend drinks guide for March 20-22
It's guest shifts galore this weekend with many bars across Hong Kong hosting guests for unique collaborations that should make this weekend's bar crawl diverse and compelling. We don't have space for all of them in our round-up, so we've selected the most unique and appealing: Paulo Naranjo coming to the St. Regis Bar, Darkside getting down and dirty with New Orleans-based Jewel of the South, and Peel Street upstart Not 2 Sweet emphasising local connections by hosting Dara. Thursday, March 20 The St. Regis Bar hosts Paulo Naranjo The St. Regis Bar Hong Kong will host St Regis Bar Jakarta's Paulo Naranjo, bar and beverage manager of The St. Regis Bar Jakarta. Photo: Handout What: The St. Regis Hong Kong kicks off this weekend hosting bar and beverage manager Paulo Naranjo from its sister establishment in Jakarta, which ranked 88th in Asia's Best Bars for 2024. Naranjo will be working with Don Julio Por Amor to bring two signatures from Jakarta to thirsty drinkers here in Hong Kong. Look forward to the Lawyer's Sour Deal, which adds white rum, sour grapefruit liqueur, pomelo and lemon to tequila, or A Settled Trader, which creates a medley of flavours using Don Julio Blanco Cinnamon with amaretto, Palo Cortado sherry, lemon and cream of coconut. Advertisement Where: 2/F, The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai When: 7-11pm Friday, March 21 'Front Row' at DarkSide with Jewel of the South Chris Hannah from New Orleans' Jewel of the South will mix up cocktails at DarkSide for two nights this weekend. Photo: Handout What: From one side of Victoria Harbour to another. Rosewood Hong Kong's latest series of special experiences for its anniversary month includes a guest shift all the way from Louisiana and the banks of the Mississippi River. For two nights, the hotel's premier cocktail bar, DarkSide , hosts Jewel of the South, an establishment that celebrates New Orleans' storied bar culture – originator of numerous classic cocktails like the Vieux Carré, Sazerac, Ramos Gin Fizz, Grasshopper and more – and which ranks among the world's very best. Representing the visiting establishment is co-founder Chris Hannah, who'll be serving five unique cocktails on the night. Where: Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Advertisement When: 8.30-11pm Saturday, March 22
