Lagg Distillery

History of Lagg Distillery

The Lagg Distillery, located on the Isle of Arran in Scotland, officially began its journey in 2019. Founded by Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd., the establishment of Lagg marked a significant expansion for the company, which had already achieved considerable success with the Arran Distillery in Lochranza. 

The decision to open a second distillery was driven by a desire to explore the production of peated whiskies, a contrast to the unpeated expressions produced at Lochranza.

Founder and Vision

The visionary behind the Lagg Distillery is Harold Currie, a former director of Chivas Brothers and a respected figure in the whisky industry. His ambition was to bring back the traditional art of distilling to the southern part of the Isle of Arran, an area with a rich history of whisky production dating back to the 19th century. 

Currie’s expertise and passion for whisky have been instrumental in shaping the distillery’s philosophy and practices.

Types of Whiskey Offered

Lagg Distillery is renowned for its focus on producing heavily peated single malt Scotch whiskies. This differentiates it from its sister distillery at Lochranza, which primarily produces unpeated whiskies. The inaugural release from Lagg, known as the Lagg Inaugural Release, showcased the distillery’s commitment to bold, smoky flavors. 

The core range includes Lagg Single Malt Batch 1 and Batch 2, each offering distinct characteristics derived from the unique terroir of the Isle of Arran and the meticulous distillation process.

The Distillation Process

Lagg Distillery employs traditional methods combined with modern techniques to ensure the highest quality of whisky. The distillation process involves the use of copper pot stills, which play a crucial role in defining the flavor profile of Lagg’s whiskies.

 

Awards Won by Lagg Distillery

• Distillery of the Year (2023): Awarded at the Scottish Whisky Awards for overall excellence in whisky production​.
• Excellence in Branding (2023): Recognized at the Scottish Whisky Awards for outstanding branding and marketing efforts​.
• Flagship Releases: The Lagg Single Malt Kilmory Edition and Corriecravie Edition have garnered positive reviews and are a testament to the distillery’s high-quality production standards​.

Lagg Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Lagg Distillery, on the Isle of Arran in Scotland, offers a variety of distillery experiences, including tours and tastings, perfect for anyone interested in learning about the whisky-making process and sampling their peated single malts. Here’s a breakdown of what they offer:

Tours:

• The Discovery: Tour & A Dram (£15): This is the classic one-hour tour for those new to whisky or Lagg Distillery. It includes a tour of the stillhouse, where you’ll see the whisky-making process firsthand, followed by a dram (a small serving) of Lagg single malt in their Vault. This tour is available Tuesdays through Saturdays at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm. Note that children under 8 are not permitted on the distillery floor.
• The Explorer: Tour & A Tasting (£30): This 1.5-hour tour is designed for those who want to delve deeper into Lagg’s whisky. It also includes a tour of the stillhouse, but concludes with a tasting of three specially selected Lagg single malts in their Dramming Den. This tour is for over-18s only and available Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Other Distillery Experiences:

In addition to the tours, Lagg Distillery offers several other tempting experiences:

• Whisky & Chocolate Pairing (£22.50): This 1-hour experience combines a guided tour with a tasting of Lagg single malts paired with complementary chocolates.
• Limited Experiences: Lagg Distillery also offers a few limited-availability experiences, including tours with in-depth tastings and explorations of the history of whisky making on Arran.

Important Information:

• Opening Hours: Lagg Distillery is open Tuesday through Saturday. They recommend booking your tour in advance, especially during peak season. You can book online or by contacting them at bookings@laggwhisky.com or by phone at (0044) (0) 1770 870 565.
• Location: The distillery is situated on the southern tip of the Isle of Arran.
• Accessibility: Be aware that the tours involve some steep steps, so accessibility might be limited for some visitors.

Flask & Barrel Review of Lagg Distillery

I’ve toured my fair share of distilleries. From the grand old names to the up-and-coming newbies, I’ve seen it all. But Lagg Distillery on Arran? That was something special. Let me tell you why it scored a near-perfect 4.7 out of 5 for this whisky-lovin’ traveler.

First off, the location. Isle of Arran? Stunning. Rolling green hills, dramatic coastlines – it’s picture-perfect scenery that puts you in the mood for a good dram (a fancy word for a whiskey serving) right from the start. The distillery itself is this charming, traditional building that feels like it’s been there forever. It’s got that cool, industrial vibe mixed with a touch of history.

The tour? Top-notch. Our guide was this friendly, knowledgeable bloke who clearly loved his job. He wasn’t just reciting facts; he painted a picture of the whole whisky-making process, from the way they source their peated barley to the magic that happens in those giant copper stills. You could tell he was passionate, and that passion was contagious.

Now, the real star of the show: the Lagg whisky itself. Being a peathead (someone who loves peaty whisky), I knew I was in for a treat. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. That smoky, earthy flavor was on point, perfectly balanced with some sweetness and a hint of spice. It was smooth, complex, and left you wanting more.

The distillery even offers a tasting at the end, which is a great way to sample a few different expressions of their whisky. They even had some limited-edition stuff that I hadn’t seen anywhere else. Needless to say, I left there a happy camper, with a bottle (or two) safely tucked away in my bag.

Sure, maybe the tour wasn’t the most extravagant one I’ve been on. But the combination of the stunning location, the passionate staff, and that phenomenal whisky made it a truly memorable experience. If you’re a whisky enthusiast, Lagg Distillery is a must-visit. It’s a 4.7 out of 5, easy.

What To Do Nearby Lagg Distillery

After your tour and tasting at Lagg Distillery, the Isle of Arran offers a treasure trove of sights and activities to explore. Here are a few captivating options, all within a scenic drive from the distillery:

1. King’s Cave (1.5 miles): Take a short hike to these oceanfront caves rumored to hold early Christian carvings. The dramatic coastal views and whispers of history make this a worthwhile stop.
2. Giants’ Graves (3 miles): Journey back in time at these two historic chambered tombs. Explore the burial chambers and soak in the panoramic coastal vistas that unfold before you.
3. Machrie Moor Standing Stones (4 miles): Unveil the secrets of Neolithic times at this site featuring six impressive standing stones. Informational boards enhance your understanding of this ancient monument.
4. Lochranza Castle (7 miles): A 16th-century castle with a fascinating past awaits. Take a guided tour to delve into its history as a Clan MacDonald stronghold and admire the well-preserved architecture.
5. Lochranza Distillery (8 miles): If you haven’t had your fill of whisky, head to Lochranza Distillery for another tour and tasting experience. Discover their distinct single malts and learn about the unique character of Arran whiskies.

Bonus: Ailsa Craig (across the water): This volcanic island, nicknamed “Paddy’s Milestone” by sailors, offers stunning views from the mainland. Boat tours are available for those who wish to get a closer look at its unique wildlife and rock formations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Lagg Distillery?

Velo Cafe: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Lagg, Isle of Arran, KA27 8PQ, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1770 870255.

Skipness Seafood Cabin: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Lagg, Isle of Arran, Scotland. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1770 870255.

Stags Pavilion Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Skipness, Tarbert PA29 6XU, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441880760207.

What hotels are near Lagg Distillery?

Lagg Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Lagg, Isle of Arran, KA27 8PQ, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1770 870255.

The Douglas Hotel: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8AW, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1770 302968.

Auchrannie Resort: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Auchrannie Rd, Brodick, Isle of Arran, KA27 8BZ, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1770 302234.