Ardnahoe Distillery has selected The Whisky List (TWL) as its first national distributor in Australia.
The timing aligns with Islay’s famous Fèis Ìle Festival, along with its sister city event held yearly in Melbourne at the end of May, putting a spotlight on one of Islay’s most exciting and newest distillery.
Built and opened by independent bottler Hunter Laing & Co., Ardnahoe represents a deliberate return to traditional Islay whisky-making, combined with a modern perspective. Commissioned in 2018, it was the first new distillery built on Islay in over a decade and has quickly captured industry attention for its commitment to flavour-first production.
At the core of Ardnahoe’s approach is a focus on longer fermentation times and the use of worm tub condensers — a relatively rare piece of equipment in modern Scotch production, but one that is making a comeback for the unique
flavour profiles it gives the spirit.
Combined with quality cask selection — including ex-bourbon and sherry maturation— the resulting Ardnahoe whisky has already been globally recognised for its balance of maritime peat smoke, texture and complexity, positioning it firmly within the classic Islay tradition while still offering a distinct house style.
For the Australian market, Ardnahoe represents an impressive addition to the peated whisky scene at a time when excitement around independently owned distilleries continues to grow. Backed by the heritage and cask expertise of the late Stewart Laing and the collective experience of the Hunter Laing & Co. team, the distillery delivers a whisky that is firmly rooted in the island’s sense of place — something that resonates strongly with engaged whisky drinkers and in particular fans of peated malts.
Head of Whisky Education at TWL Emma Cookson said: “More of these modern Scottish distilleries are reaching the stage where their whisky is ready for a global reception and Ardnahoe was always one of the most exciting, not only for fans of Islay whisky, but for whisky drinkers who know the heritage behind Hunter Laing & Co and the legacy of the Laing family.
“Their meticulous approach to crafting whiskies that emulate the classic Islay style is amazing to see – and taste – and I’m so thrilled we have the opportunity to represent and share Ardnahoe in Australia.”
TWL co-founder Oliver Maruda said: “As a huge Islay whisky fan, I’m incredibly proud that Islay’s newest distillery has chosen The Whisky List to represent and distribute the brand in Australia.
“It marks our second Islay distillery under our portfolio, and a really exciting step forward for us. Australians have a deep love for Islay whiskies. They hold a special place in our hearts. So we have no doubt Ardnahoe is going to resonate strongly from day one.
“We’re looking forward to sharing their whiskies, including some limited releases earmarked for Australia, across our
festivals and tastings, and of course making them available through some of the country’s best independent bottleshops.”
The first shipment, arriving just in time for The Whisky Show Sydney on 9 May and the Fèis Ìle x Top Shelf Melbourne Festival on 30 May 2026, will showcase the core range of single malts from the distillery, alongside some limited edition releases and the first single cask exclusively bottled for Australia which is expected to land in time for the Melbourne event.
Adnahoe Distillery Brand Ambassador Ryan Johnston said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with The Whisky List to bring Ardnahoe to Australia. From the outset, we’ve focused on creating a whisky that reflects both the traditions of Islay and our own family’s approach to cask selection and maturation.
“Having launched our first Ardnahoe product in May 2024, we have been aware of the growing fanbase in Australia and are looking forward to finally being able to offer a selection of bottlings to our supporters in the country.”
The first Ardnahoe Distillery shipment under The Whisky List partnership will launch online at www.thewhiskylist.com.au, with trade allocations available to select partners from middle May 2026.