Whisky enthusiasts can now sleep where their favorite dram is made as Ardbeg Distillery launches a 12-room luxury accommodation in Port Ellen.
Ardbeg Distillery has transformed the former Islay Hotel into a boutique whisky destination, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the world of one of Scotland’s most distinctive single malts. The property opened its doors on September 8th, 2025, marking a significant expansion of whisky tourism on the remote Scottish island.
Ardbeg House Brings Luxury Experience to Port Ellen
The 12-room property features design elements that celebrate both Islay’s heritage and Ardbeg’s whisky-making traditions. Interior designers Russell Sage Studio collaborated with more than 20 Scottish and Islay artisans to create unique features throughout the hotel.
These include copper wall art crafted from retired Ardbeg stills, custom boat chandeliers, and buttons labeled “Press for Smoke” that reveal hidden drams of whisky.
Each suite and bedroom follows a different theme reflecting aspects of Islay’s history. The rooms incorporate elements from the island’s smuggling past, legendary figures, and mythical creatures said to inhabit its coastlines. The property sits on the shore in Port Ellen, a short distance from the distillery itself.
Ardbeg Distillery Boutique Hotel Features Exclusive Whiskies and Local Cuisine
The hotel’s Signature Restaurant and revived Islay Bar serve Scottish cuisine with what the company calls an “Ardbeggian twist.” The menu features locally sourced ingredients, including hand-dived scallops collected by one of the distillery’s stillmen. The Untamed Courtyard includes a custom smoker and grill built by distillery technician Daniel Branson.
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Exclusive whiskies available only at the property include Ardbeg Homecoming and Ardbeg House Reserve. A daily ritual at 6:15 PM invites guests to the Islay Bar to sample Ardbeg Badger Juice, a small-batch whisky with a secret recipe, available only by the dram.
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 in the heart of Port Ellen, just a stone’s throw from the distillery. At Ardbeg House, we will immerse the island’s visitors and local community in local stories and Ardbeggian rituals – as well as sharing some very exclusive whiskies.”
“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,” MacRae continued. “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.”
The hotel offers daily distillery tours reserved exclusively for guests. Room rates and restaurant reservations are available for autumn 2025 and beyond through the Ardbeg website.
Ardbeg was saved from closure in 1997 and has since developed a devoted following among whisky enthusiasts. The distillery, established in 1815, produces what many consider to be Islay’s peatiest and smokiest single malt whisky.
