Ardbeg’s Grand Adventure: From Islay Hotel to a Whisky Wonderland

Ardbeg Unveils Plans for a Whisky Wonderland: The Transformation of Islay Hotel

In a move that’s set to shake up the whisky world, Ardbeg is taking the Islay Hotel under its wing, with grand plans to morph it into the ultimate Ardbeg House. Picture this: a place where luxury meets the spirit of Islay, all thanks to Ardbeg’s visionary purchase in 2022. The plan? Keep the lights on until the summer of 2024, then it’s time for a facelift, with the grand reveal slated for May 2025. This isn’t just any makeover; we’re talking about a transformation that screams Ardbeg from every nook and cranny.

Fear not for the hotel staff during this revamp; they’re sticking around, taking on new roles to keep the Ardbeg spirit alive and kicking locally.

Leading the charge on this multi-million-pound facelift is none other than Russell Sage Studio, the creative brains behind Ardbeg’s visitor centre. What’s on the cards? Ardbeg House will not only be a name change but the birthplace of a hotel-exclusive whisky, making its way to you directly from the distillery’s visitor centre.

The plot thickens with the introduction of a dining spot open to all, rooms and suites that redefine “quirky luxury,” and the resurrection of the Islay Bar and its courtyard. Plus, an exclusive space for guests and Ardbeg Committee members, featuring the legendary ‘whisky cave’.

Caspar MacRae, the CEO at the helm, is buzzing with excitement. The goal? To elevate Islay to a must-visit destination for whisky aficionados and newcomers alike. Ardbeg House aims to be more than a whisky haven; it’s where the uninitiated come to fall in love with the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt.

In another thrilling twist, Ardbeg is stepping into the spotlight with a 20-year-old whisky gem for Whisky Auctioneer’s first International Women’s Day auction. This special brew, crafted by Gillian Macdonald, marks her two decades in the whisky realm, shining bright in the auction’s Demeter Collection.