Whisky lovers, locals and tourists are invited to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg at newly refurbished hotel.
Ardbeg single malt whisky has opened the doors of Ardbeg House, a 12-bedroom boutique hotel in the heart of Port Ellen and just steps away from the legendary Ardbeg Distillery. Following a multi-million-pound restoration of the former Islay Hotel, Ardbeg House offers a distinctive new chapter in Islay’s whisky tourism, combining a beautifully designed hotel with island folklore and immersive whisky experiences.
Ardbeg, which is part of The Glenmorangie Company, has been distilling the world’s smokiest Islay malt whisky for more than 200 years and aims to make its island home a great place to work, live and visit. In 2022, the brand acquired the popular Islay Hotel in the village of Port Ellen, with a vision to create a completely unique offering for the thousands of tourists that journey to the island of Islay each year, as well as its own community.
With hotel interiors led by Russell Sage Studio and crafted by artisans from across Scotland and Islay, Ardbeg House is a love letter to the island’s smoky soul. Each suite and bedroom is uniquely designed to tell its own tale – from copper wall panels made from a retired still to a “Press for Smoke” button that unveils a secret dram. A bespoke boat-shaped chandelier and tactile design details evoke the brand’s playful yet luxurious spirit.
The hotel’s Signature Restaurant celebrates the island’s larder, with menus featuring local seafood, Islay lamb and vegetables, while the Islay Bar brings together a deep Ardbeg collection with island whiskies, craft ales and creative cocktails. Outside, The Untamed Courtyard serves smoky dishes from a custom-made grill and smoker overseen by Ardbeg’s own Daniel Branson.
More than just a place to stay, Ardbeg House is an experience deeply rooted in Islay culture and community. Visitors can expect rich storytelling, exclusive drams and a warm welcome, whether they are whisky connoisseurs or curious first-timers. The project marks a bold new step for The Glenmorangie Company in shaping the future of luxury whisky tourism in Scotland.
Ardbeg President and CEO Caspar MacRae said: “Islay has been Ardbeg’s home for over 200 years – and we are so excited to be sharing this world-class whisky and hospitality experience. Ardbeg House is a one-of-a-kind travel destination which will further enhance Islay’s reputation as one of the best places on the planet for whisky tourism. Whether or not our guests are smoky malt lovers when they arrive, we guarantee that by the time they leave, they will be lifelong fans of Ardbeg and Islay. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and locals through our doors to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg from today.”
For more information on Ardbeg House and to book a stay or a table in the restaurant, visit www.ardbeg.com
