Exciting times for Isle of Arran Distillers as the company launches the long‑awaited Arran 14 Year Old and the first core‑range Arran 30 Year Old, alongside refreshed packaging across the single malt range. These launches build on the momentum of last year’s milestone 30th anniversary, celebrated with a vibrant festival weekend in Lochranza and the release of 30 rare Palo Cortado Private Casks, and the recent accolade as Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards.
The Isle of Arran, often described as “Scotland in miniature” for its varied landscape and unique geology, is home to two distilleries: Lochranza in the north, home of Arran Single Malt, and Lagg in the south, home of Lagg Single Malt. Lochranza is one of Scotland’s few remaining independent distilleries, founded in 1995 with the aim of restoring whiskymaking on the island and has grown over the last three decades into both a thriving tourist destination and a fully operational, capacity‑maximised site. Arran Single Malt is now recognised worldwide as a modern classic, praised for its vibrant character and award‑winning range, offering a rich, approachable profile that appeals to both new and seasoned whisky drinkers.
The return of the Arran 14 Year Old brings a much‑loved classic back into the core range. First released in 2010 alongside other bottlings to celebrate the distillery’s 15th anniversary, it was then bottled regularly before disappearing from shelves a few years ago. It has been praised for its quality and superb balance of aromas and flavours particularly at this age which brings a touch of tropical fruitiness, greater richness and intensity.
This bottling returns with a slightly adjusted recipe and striking new design. Matured primarily in bourbon barrels, it was also held in some rare Palo Cortado sherry casks that add complexity and a subtle coastal salinity to the dram. Bottled at 46% ABV, non‑chill filtered and in its natural colour, it sits comfortably in the middle of the core range. It opens with rich fruit syrup, apples and mandarin on the nose, supported by cereal sweetness and a gentle saltiness. The palate is viscous and expressive, delivering salted apples, toffee and mango, before a lingering finish of soft oak, restrained sweetness and a delicate saline touch.
Alongside the 14 Year Old, Isle of Arran Distillers is also introducing a core‑range Arran 30 Year Old, following last year’s celebratory Distillery Exclusive bottle with the same age statement. Selected from old and rare sherry hogsheads from some of the distillery’s very first years, this whisky represents three decades of patience, craftsmanship and independent whisky‑making on the isle of Arran. It is bottled at 46% ABV, non‑chill filtered in its natural colour, and is presented as a truly rare and distinguished expression with a premium packaging featuring a natural wood box with copper accents, a bespoke bottle and a wood grain embossed paper label.
Its tasting notes include bold burnt orange, star anise and cinnamon on the nose, followed by honey, ripe orchard fruits, vanilla and cloves on the palate, and a long, sweet finish of toffee apple and orange zest.
Euan Mitchell, Managing Director of Isle of Arran Distillers said: ”This 30 Year Old is a proud milestone for us, showcasing the depth and character that comes with time, care and our commitment to doing things the right way on Arran. It’s a rare glimpse into our earliest spirit, matured to its full potential.”
Isle of Arran Distillers has also recently refreshed labels and gift tube designs across its whole Arran Single Malt range. The updated packaging uses colour, texture and design cues to distinguish expressions more clearly, while maintaining the premium feel associated with the name since the major rebrand that happened in 2019. Within the range the 10 Year Old retains its familiar identity, with the addition of subtle sandy beach-inspired texture. Barrel Reserve has been given a bolder design for stronger shelf stand-out, while Sherry Cask and Quarter Cask have been simplified in name and given warmer, cask-inspired visual cues. The 14 Year Old and 30 Year Old feature premium details that reflect their position within the range as older age statements. Lochranza Distillery Manager Stewart Bowman’s signature on the label has also been introduced across the range, reinforcing the expertise behind every bottle.
The packaging update is also part of Arran’s ongoing sustainability journey. New Vista glass bottles are being introduced which are made from 100% post-consumer recycled glass. The change reduces environmental impact while maintaining premium quality, weight and feel. The refreshed packs continue to use FSC-certified paper, supporting responsible sourcing and helping preserve the tactile, textured finish of the labels and tubes.
Jaclyn McKie, Head of Marketing at Isle of Arran Distillers said: “We’re incredibly proud to have seen the brand grow so much following our successful rebrand in 2019, and we’re always looking for ways to evolve, both in sustainability and design, to reflect the quality of the single malt whisky we craft every day.”
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With two exceptional age-statement releases, a modernised core range and a continued commitment to sustainability, Isle of Arran Distillers keeps celebrating its heritage and work done so far while looking firmly to the future without compromising on the quality of the whiskies they produce. The Arran 14 & 30 Year Old, as well the refreshed core range products, are available to purchase from whisky retailers worldwide as well as their distillery shops in Lochranza and Lagg.
