On the island of Islay, you can now enjoy a complete hospitality experience, accompanied by the world’s peatiest whisky.
Ardbeg, Islay’s smokiest and peatiest single malt, announces the opening of Ardbeg House, its first boutique hotel. Created to offer visitors and the local community the opportunity to enjoy a complete hospitality experience, the Distillery’s signature, this establishment combines the best of Scottish hospitality with the flavors and legends of the island of Islay.
Since Ardbeg was saved from permanent closure in 1997, its whisky has risen like a phoenix to become a cult single malt. Its fans are so passionate that thousands of people make a pilgrimage to the distillery every year: today, Ardbeg House allows all Ardbegians to immerse themselves in its smoky world, from morning till night.
Located on the coast of the picturesque village of Port Ellen, Ardbeg House (formerly the Islay Hotel) was designed by Russell Sage Studio, who entwined the spirit of the island with contemporary design. The 12 rooms and suites are a blend of artisanal details, playful surprises, and signature Ardbeg luxury: from recycled copper from a decommissioned still to the “Press for Smoke” buttons that reveal hidden drams.
The beating heart of the House is the Signature Restaurant and the renovated Islay Bar, where Scottish dishes and local ingredients meet the unmistakable Ardbeg signature. From scallops harvested by the island’s fishermen to recipes infused with unique whiskies found only here. Outside, the Untamed Courtyard hosts handcrafted smokers and grills for char-grilled dishes that reflect the same smoky soul of Ardbeg.
Whether they’re die-hard Ardbeg fans or newcomers discovering its world, every detail of the House has been chosen to offer visitors a warm welcome to the Isle of Islay:
- Islay’s lifestyle and legends are celebrated throughout the property, starting with the lobby, where a giant tapestry depicts a contemporary scene from the island. Upstairs, each suite and bedroom is themed to reflect a different aspect of the island’s history. Guests can discover hidden surprises that evoke the spirit of Islay’s legendary past, from infamous smugglers’ hideouts to the fascinating mythical creatures rumored to inhabit its shores.
- Scottish and Islay dishes and drinks take center stage at the Signature Restaurant. In the center of the room, next to the fireplace, the atmospheric “head table” brings guests together for a fun and convivial dining experience, night after night. Ardbeg-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients are available, along with a selection of rare single malts, including the exclusive Ardbeg Homecoming and Ardbeg House Reserve. For those looking to socialize, every Friday the restaurant offers the opportunity to sit at Shortie’s Table (named after Ardbeg’s beloved canine mascot) and swap stories with other guests over a set menu paired with whisky.
- Immersive Experiences. They offer guests the chance to learn more about Ardbeg and the island of Islay: in-house guests can enjoy a daily tour of the distillery, discovering where it all began. There are opportunities to explore Islay’s wild landscapes, with its abundant wildlife and stunning beaches. And at 6:15 p.m. (a tribute to Ardbeg’s founding year, 1815), all guests are invited to the Islay Bar for a special ritual, whisky hour, to toast the day and taste Ardbeg Badger Juice. This intriguingly named whisky, produced in small batches, has a secret recipe. Poured from a special cask, it will only be available in drams at the Islay Bar.
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