Isle of Arran Distillers (IOAD) has unveiled a highly limited Single Malt Scotch Whisky to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Hutton, the pioneering Scottish thinker whose work transformed our understanding of the earth.
Created in partnership with The James Hutton Institute, the release pays tribute to one of the central figures of the Scottish Enlightenment. Hutton’s concept of “Deep Time” redefined scientific thinking by recognising the planet as a dynamic system shaped by cycles of heat, erosion and uplift over vast timescales.
The commemorative expression is a 13-year-old Single Malt, initially matured in ex-Bourbon barrels for six years before undergoing an extended seven-year finish in Australian Cabernet Sauvignon casks. The choice of cask is more unconventional than those typically used in Arran’s wine cask range and reflects Hutton’s spirit of innovation and discovery.
Bottled at 46% ABV, the whisky delivers a layered and distinctive profile, with notes of smooth toffee, delicate florals, ripe fruit and sweet spice. Just 300 bottles have been produced worldwide, positioning the release as a highly collectible addition for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Available exclusively from Lochranza Distillery on the Isle of Arran, the release also highlights the island’s crucial role in Hutton’s work. It was here that he identified the Arran Unconformity, providing some of the earliest physical evidence underpinning his groundbreaking Theory of the Earth.
Euan Mitchell, Managing Director of Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “This Arran Single Malt is our tribute to a man whose ideas changed how we understand the world around us. The concept of ‘Deep Time’ resonates strongly with whisky making, where patience, maturation and natural processes are everything.”
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Professor Colin Campbell, CEO of the James Hutton Institute, added: “Arran is of great importance in James Hutton’s story because it is where he saw the very first evidence of an Unconformity in the rocks at Lochranza. This, alongside other findings, led to his world-changing Theory of the Earth. The island is so rich in geology, and we are delighted that funds raised will support the Geopark on the island.”
The collaboration underscores shared values between the two organisations, including a deep respect for the natural environment and a commitment to knowledge, heritage and innovation. As Hutton’s work demonstrated, time and observation remain central both to understanding the earth beneath our feet and to crafting the spirit in the glass.
The limited edition whisky was released on 3 June 2026 and is available via Lochranza Distillery, both in-store and by mail order, with a recommended retail price of £105.
