Back to Arran - a whisky lover's reunion with Scotland's pearl. Blog post by Ulrik Bertelsen

Peter got hold of him. He was still stuck in traffic but was "just around the corner". At the same time a message ticked in: the ferry had been moved forward by half an hour because of the tide. Stress levels rose. When the bus finally turned up, the driver practically threw himself out to get the luggage compartment open for our 13 suitcases, but the hatch would not open. After several attempts the solution was to wrestle the bags onto the back row of seats. We fastened the belts, turned up the air conditioning and sped west with adrenaline pumping and fingers crossed. We made it at the very last minute and were welcomed by Lucey MacKay, regional sales manager at Lochranza Distillery.

And that is how our whisky trip to Arran started: with drama, laughter and the prospect of a cold draught beer on the ferry.

Comfort and luxury at Auchrannie Resort.
We stayed at the cosy and exclusive Auchrannie Resort, centrally placed in Brodick. The resort combines modern comfort with authentic Scottish atmosphere and offers everything from spa and swimming pools to good food and relaxing bars. It is the perfect base for exploring the island, especially with a good glass of whisky in hand after a day on the move.

Adventurous transport with Mogabout
One of the highlights of the trip was being picked up straight from the hotel by Mogabout - a local company specialising in guided tours around Arran in purpose-built 4x4s. It is not just transport, it is an experience in itself. Our driver Alex knew the island, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and drove us safely and comfortably between the distilleries, with short stops along the way at hidden viewpoints and natural gems you would never have found on your own.

Lochranza Distillery - elegance and balance in the north
After a beautiful drive up through the dramatic landscape of northern Arran, we arrived at the picture-perfect Lochranza Distillery, formerly known as Arran Distillery. It sits peacefully at the foot of the mountains with a view of the bay and the old castle ruin. Here, in the clean island air and surrounded by green hills and circling golden eagles, you understand why this exact spot was chosen for the first legal distillery on the island in over 150 years.
The distillery was founded in 1995 and produces elegant, well-balanced single malts that clearly carry the mark of Arran's particular microclimate and crystal-clear spring water. Our tour was led by the knowledgeable and warm Phoebe Hall, who guided us with a sure hand and infectious enthusiasm.
After the tour a special experience awaited: tasting six exclusive cask samples straight from the warehouse. This is where we could really taste the terroir, and the differences between bourbon and sherry maturation, peated and unpeated. Spirits in the group were high, and after careful consideration we picked two outstanding casks that we all agreed should find their way to Denmark:

• Arran 2012 #1927 - 1st fill sherry hogshead, unpeated, 57.4%, 288 bottles
• Arran 2015 #3559 - 1st fill bourbon barrel, peated 50 ppm, 59.9%, 246 bottles

Two completely different expressions, but both with that characteristic Arran elegance: one with deep sherry richness, the other with an intense, balanced smoke profile. An unforgettable afternoon in the name of whisky. Expected to land in Denmark in August or September 2025.

Here are my fuller descriptions of the two chosen casks:
Arran 2012 #1927 - 1st fill sherry hogshead, unpeated, 57.4%
The nose opens elegantly with clear notes of dried fruit such as fig, date and raisin, along with a fresh note of orange peel and a touch of nutmeg.

The palate is dry but full, a fine balance between intensity and finesse. Dark chocolate, toasted nuts and ripe fruit dance on the tongue, while the spiced warmth of the sherry and a little touch of oak give structure. The high cask strength is noticeable but beautifully integrated.

The finish is long and lingering with notes of coffee, cacao and a mild spice warmth that slowly fades. The whisky is unpeated, which leaves room for the nuances of the sherry cask and the natural fruit profile of the spirit.

With only 288 bottles filled exclusively for Denmark, this is a really lovely sherry dram that appeals to whisky enthusiasts who love well-matured, sherry-aged whisky with depth, power and elegance.

Arran 2015 #3559 - 1st fill bourbon barrel, peated 50 ppm, 59.9%, 246 bottles
The nose is unmistakably peated, a full, powerful peat smoke with touches of bonfire, ash and light iodine, but also an underlying sweetness from the bourbon cask. Notes of vanilla, ripe pear and a hint of citrus balance the smoky expression and get the mouth watering.

In the mouth the whisky surprises by starting soft and fruity, almost seductive, with notes of baked apple, tropical fruit and honey, before it explodes in a wave of well-integrated peat smoke. The 50 ppm is clearly felt but beautifully woven together with the natural sweetness of the spirit and the creamy texture from the bourbon cask.

The finish is long, warm and lingering with notes of smoked vanilla, grilled citrus and a dry touch of oak and white pepper. The high strength adds extra punch without dominating.

This is without doubt one of the best peated whiskies I have tasted from Arran, a perfect balance between raw power and aromatic depth.

Lagg Distillery - smoke and raw power in the south
Lagg Distillery at the southern end of the island is Lochranza's peated little sister. Here peated whiskies with edge and character are made, and the distillery, which opened in 2019, is thoroughly modern with plenty of glass, nature and open space. During the tasting we tried several expressions, including a Lagg special bottling matured in used wine casks that brought everyone along on the smoke wave, plus an explanation of why the bottle is shaped as it is and lightly tinted to symbolise seaweed.

What you should experience on Arran, beyond whisky
Besides whisky, the island offers plenty of nature: