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28 Oct 2025

The Story Behind Our First Arran Barley Single Malt

There’s something truly special about making whisky from the ground up - quite literally. After more than ten years in the making, we’re proud to share a project that’s especially close to our hearts here at Lochranza: Arran Barley Single Malt Batch 001.

For the very first time, we’ve created a whisky distilled entirely from barley grown right here on the Isle of Arran, in collaboration with our long-standing partners at Bellevue Farm in the island’s south end.

This release is more than just a whisky for us - it’s a celebration of our island and our community.

Arran Barley 2025

When we first began working with the Currie family of Bellevue Farm back in 2015, the goal was simple: to one day produce a single malt we could proudly say it was born of Arran soil. Annually we yield about 2.5 tons of barley, with 75% heading north to us at Lochranza and 25% to our sister distillery at Lagg, where local barley has been used in limited runs since 2020.

The Curries have farmed the land for six generations, and under Donald Currie’s stewardship, they now cultivate around 95 acres across the Shiskine Valley and beyond. Their mixed farming approach - rotating barley fields with sheep grazing - keeps the soil healthy and rich in nutrients, helping to reduce the carbon footprint.

Stewart Bowman and Donald Currie

It’s no easy feat growing barley on Scotland’s west coast. The conditions are wild, unpredictable, and often unforgiving - but that’s what makes this whisky so remarkable. And, according to our production team, working with local barley isn’t without its challenges. It produces a particularly sticky wort that keeps our team on their toes throughout mashing and fermentation. But the reward? A stunningly complex, resinous new-make spirit with that signature light, clean and fruity character that defines Arran whisky.

For this release, which features Opic variety barley, we matured the spirit in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and second-fill sherry hogsheads, echoing the balance and depth found in our much-loved Arran 10 Year Old. The result is bottled at 50% ABV, non-chill filtered, and natural in colour - a true reflection of our commitment to purity and craftsmanship.

In the glass, Arran Barley Single Malt Batch 001 is bright and expressive.
You’ll find aromas of fresh herbs and citrus mingling with vanilla and a hint of aniseed. On the palate, layers of biscuity malt and spicy ginger unfold alongside soft oak and vibrant summer fruits. The finish is clean and dry, leaving behind delicate traces of citrus, cereal, and that familiar Arran balance of freshness and warmth.

This new release also introduces refreshed packaging - warm, textured, and inspired by the golden hues of our island’s barley fields. The label offers full transparency for those who love to trace the journey of their dram: you’ll find the barley variety, the farm, the batch number, and total bottles produced.

We’ve also taken another step forward in our sustainability journey by introducing a recyclable cardboard base to our familiar presentation tube - replacing the traditional metal one while keeping the iconic removable top.

“It is a privilege for us at Isle of Arran Distillers to collaborate so closely with a dedicated island producer, bringing the provenance of Arran ingredients even closer to home. Our partnership with Bellevue Farm is something we deeply value, built on a shared commitment to the land and to quality.” - Stewart Bowman, Lochranza Distillery Manager.

Each year, a new batch of Arran Barley Single Malt will follow - reflecting the changing harvests, cask selections, and character that nature and time bring.