Arran

Harold Currie, former managing director of Chivas Brothers and D-Day veteran, founded Isle of Arran Distillers in 1994 with a singular vision: to restore whisky production to Arran. After more than 150 years of silence—when illicit stills once produced what was known nationally as 'Arran water'—Lochranza opened in 1995 as Scotland's first new distillery since the 1980s. This 10-year-old bottling, in continuous production since 2006, represents the distillery's flagship expression.

The spirit matures first in first-fill bourbon barrels before a secondary maturation in smaller American oak quarter casks (125 litres). That deliberate approach shapes the character: grass and barley sugar on the nose, with apple and citrus fruit emerging. The palate reveals vanilla and honey, leading into a medium-long finish touched by ginger spice and nectarine notes.

This is no peaty island whisky—Arran chose a Highland-style path, unsmoked and approachable. The result is a fruity, straightforward single malt that charts its own course.