Ailsa Bay Whisky

Ailsa Bay 21 ppm Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The distillery was built in 2007, as the first one in which master blender Brian Kinsman was deeply involved in the design. It was a wish to be able to work with smoked malt and thereby create the popular peaty whiskies, which had an impact on the build. For instance, brand new technology is used, to better be able to control the cut point in the distillation, so that only the purest of spirits are distilled. 

Furthermore, Old Baby Bourbon Hudson casks from the Tuthilltown distillery are used, which are only between 25 to 100 litres, followed by a longer period in traditional casks. Tuthilltown are amongst others, responsible for the popular Hudson Bourbons.

The distillery has 8 sets of kettles and can produce an approximate of 12-14 million liters of spirits every year. 

The distillery itself is right next to the Girvan distillery, which is one of Scotland's largest grain distilleries. Here they share an address with Hendrick's gin, with a view of the ocean and the sight of the island Ailsa Craig on the horizon. Not far from there one will find the island Islay, where peaty smoked whisky is renowned. 

The distillery has been named after the Ailsa Craig cliff-island, which lies approximately 20 kilometers from the Girvan in the Firth of Clyde fjord. The cliff is a symbol of strength, precision, symmetry, and beauty. All attributes one would like associated with the new distillery. 

Note: Ailsa Bay has a ppm of 21, which equates to the levels of a Bowmore. 

It has a smokey aroma and one is made to think of a classic Islay. A ppm of 21 makes it quite smokey too. It possesses spicy tones, honey, liquorice and a floral undertones. The high level of alcohol is well thought through with a short bite in the aftertaste. Smoke and sweetness in a wonderful combination.

Master Blender Brian Kinsman about the Distillilery Ailsa Bay: "Ailsa Bay has allowed us to do something extremely special. Using our precision distilling methods and a special process for cask maturation, I am able to carefully control the outcome of the whisky. With Ailsa Bay, I took exceptionally peaty malt and ex Baby Bourbon Hudson casks to create a whisky with a balance of smoke and sweetness, to occupy a new space on the flavour map."