Arran distillery information
In the past, the isle of Arran (60 kilometers south-west of Glaslow, in the Fifth of Clyde), was home to over 50 (mostly illegally operating) distilleries, and the quality of the whisky was well-known. In fact, it was so popular it was lovingly dubbed “Arran water”. Today, Arran is the only distillery on the Isle. It is located on the northern side of the Island, in the village of Lochranza, which is called home by around 200 people, making the distillery one of the main industrial enterprises on the island.
The control panel from the mash tun at the Arran distillery.
Construction of the distillery started in 1994, but was temporarily halted, because a couple of protected Golden Eagles decided to build a nest on a nearby cliff. When the distillery opened its doors in August 1995, the eagles apparently gave it their blessing with a flyby.
Arran whisky
Arran claims its water to be the purest in all of Scotland, due to it having travelling through and over the peaty soil and granite stone that make up most of the island. All whisky made at the distillery is made using non-peated barley, is naturally colored, and non-chill filtered. After distillation, it will be matured in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks (and sometimes French oak wine casks). After maturation, it is bottled at 46% ABV.
The stills at the Arran distillery
Whisky is available in a number of single malt editions:
- 10 year old
- 14 year old
- The Robert Burns
- Sauternes Wine cask finish
- Amarone Wine cask finish
- Port Wine cask finish
Limited edition editions include:
- The Millenium Casks
- 12 year old (cask strength)
- 16 year old
- 17 year old
- Premium Sherry cask finish
- The Arran Single Malt (Premium Bourbon cask finish)
- The Devil’s Punchbowl
- Orkney Bere Barley single malt
- Machrie Moor (A lightly peated whisky, the name of which is a nod to the Machrie Moor standing stones on the Isle)
There is also a Robert Burns Blend available, and even a cream liqueur.
Distillery info:
| Name | Arran |
| Region | Island |
| Logo |  |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Water source | Loch na Davie |
| Owned by | Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd |
| Address |
Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd - Distillery +44 (0)1770 830 334 |
| Visitor centre | Yes |
| Website | http://www.arranwhisky.com/ |
| https://twitter.com/Arranwhisky | |
| https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Arran-Single-Malt/273194402696257 | |
| Community | White Stag |
| Map |
Distillery Setup:
Component |
Capacity |
Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Mash tun | 2.5 tonnes | 1 |
| Washback | 15,000 litres | 6 |
| Wash still | 7,100 litres | 1 |
| Spirit Still | 5,200 litres | 1 |
| Expected yearly output in LPA (Litres of pure alcohol) | 750,000 |
Images on this page courtesy of the Arran Distillery.