Ardnahoe 7 Year Old Hand-fill Release No.2 Bourbon Cask

Founded by the Laing family behind independent bottler Hunter Laing, Ardnahoe began distilling in 2018. Despite being a relatively young distillery, Ardnahoe employs several traditional whisky-making methods. Its stills feature the longest Lyne Arms in Scotland, which, together with a slow distillation process, allow the alcohol vapours more contact with copper, helping to develop fruity characteristics while retaining the spirit's peaty character.

Another distinctive feature is that Ardnahoe is currently the only distillery on Islay to use traditional Worm Tub condensers. These consist of coiled copper pipes submerged in tanks of cold water, allowing the alcohol vapours to condense gradually into liquid. Compared to modern condensers, Worm Tubs are less efficient, but the distillery believes this traditional method adds greater texture and complexity to its spirit.

Following the first Hand-fill release, which was matured in a PX Quarter Cask, Release No.2 instead uses an Ex-Bourbon Barrel, with the age statement increasing from 6 to 7 years. The two releases feature distinctly different cask types, offering whisky enthusiasts an opportunity to compare the influence of Sherry and Bourbon casks on Ardnahoe's spirit.