The Isle's Maverick Spirit

In the vast tapestry of Scotch whisky, where age-old traditions often dictate the narrative, Arran Whisky emerges as a refreshing anomaly. Nestled on the Isle of Arran, this distillery doesn't just produce whisky; it crafts stories, challenges conventions, and invites enthusiasts to experience a dram that's as audacious as it is authentic.

The Distillery: Where Wild Meets Refined

If you’re looking for whisky born of drama, of rugged coastlines, swirling sea mists, and untamed Highland hills, Arran’s your muse. Sitting proudly in Lochranza, on the northern tip of the Isle of Arran, the distillery is more than a building. It's a resurrection.

When Arran Distillers Ltd was founded in 1994 by Harold Currie, a former managing director of Chivas Brothers and all-around whisky maverick, there hadn’t been legal whisky production on the island for over 160 years. Illicit stills? Oh, they were thriving in the 1800s, tucked into hidden glens and smuggled through secretive coastal coves. But nothing official. Currie wasn’t just making a distillery, he was restoring a legacy.

Construction was tough. Building a distillery in a remote village surrounded by mountains and deer meant fighting against weather, infrastructure issues, and logistical nightmares. And yet, like all great whisky, it was worth the wait. By 1995, the stills were fired up. And in a proper sign-from-the-heavens moment? Two golden eagles famously nested above the site, halting construction. Locals still tell the story, as if the island was blessing the birth of something sacred.

Natural Born Distillers: The Island’s Influence

Here’s the secret sauce: Arran doesn’t just make whisky on an island – it makes whisky of the island.

• Water Source: The lifeblood of Arran whisky comes from Loch na Davie, a pristine mountain spring filtered through granite and peat, a source so pure it's practically mythical.
• Microclimate: Arran's unique climate brings maritime freshness and humid, soft air – ideal for slow, mellow maturation. That sea breeze? It’s not just romantic. It makes it into every cask.
• No Nasties: Arran refuses to chill filter. No added colour either. You’re tasting the whisky exactly as nature intended, raw, real, and unpolished in all the best ways.

Design, Evolution, and the Big Brand Glow-Up

In the early 2000s, the brand looked traditional, almost safe. But Arran always had a rebellious streak, and that came roaring into full view with their 2019 brand overhaul. Sleek, minimalist labels. Earth-toned palettes. A focus on terroir and storytelling. The packaging now reflects what’s in the bottle, elegant, bold, and defiantly different from the mainstream.

They also split the operation in two: Arran Lochranza continued making their classic unpeated style, while their second distillery, Lagg, opened in 2019 on the south end of the island, turning its focus to peated expressions. Yin and yang. Highland and Hebridean. Two sides of the same whisky-loving coin.

Whisky with Character – Not Just Characters in a Bottle

Arran doesn’t trade in gimmicks. They let the whisky do the talking. But they’re not afraid to be playful. Special editions, like the Robert Burns line (Arran holds exclusive licensing with the Burns Foundation), add cultural clout. The Machrie Moor series, named after the mysterious standing stones on the island, lets them dabble in smoke and folklore.

Everything they do is steeped in a kind of rugged romanticism, from their first cask in 1995 to today’s ultra-limited releases. You don’t just drink Arran. You get into Arran. You taste salt, stone, wind, and wonder. Explore the full range available at Robert Graham 1874 here - highlights include:

1. Arran 10 Year Old – The Island's Signature

• ABV: 46%
• Tasting Notes:
  • Nose: Floral barley and dry grass.
  • Palate: Green apple, ripe grape, and malty biscuits.
  • Finish: Salted caramel intertwined with strawberries.

As the cornerstone of Arran's range, the 10 Year Old offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and coastal freshness. It's a testament to the distillery's ability to produce a youthful yet complex whisky that appeals to both novices and connoisseurs alike.

2. Arran Founders Reserve – A Collector's Gem

• ABV: 43%
• Tasting Notes:
  • Nose: Custard cream biscuits, vanilla ice cream, and tropical fruits.
  • Palate: White chocolate panna cotta, spiced pineapple, and custard danish pastries.
  • Finish: Buttery shortbread, juicy pineapple chunks, and creamy vanilla custard.

Bottled in 2001 for the distillery's founding supporters, this limited edition offers a glimpse into Arran's early character. It's not just a whisky; it's a piece of history.

3. Arran Quarter Cask – Intensity in Every Sip

• ABV: 56.2%
• Tasting Notes:
  • Nose: Rich vanilla sweetness, hints of coconut, and citrus zest.
  • Palate: Bold notes of honey, spice, and a touch of sea salt.
  • Finish: Long, warming, with a gentle smokiness.

Matured in smaller casks, this expression intensifies the interaction between wood and spirit, resulting in a robust and flavourful dram that commands attention.

What's on the Horizon: Arran's Future Endeavors

Arran continues to innovate, with whispers of new cask finishes and experimental batches on the horizon. The distillery's commitment to sustainability and community engagement ensures that while they honor tradition, they're not bound by it.

Expect more from Lagg as well, the peated sibling is just getting started. And given Arran's record, don't be surprised if their next release bends the rules in the best way possible. Current Lagg bottles available at Robert Graham 1874 here

Embrace the Arran Adventure

Arran Whisky isn't just about what's in the glass; it's about the journey, the stories, and the spirit of rebellion against the ordinary. At Robert Graham 1874, we're proud to offer these exceptional expressions, inviting you to explore the unique character of the Isle of Arran.