Isle of Arran Distillers has partnered with The James Hutton Institute to release a 13-year-old limited edition single malt Scotch whisky commemorating the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Hutton, the father of modern geology. The bottling, limited to just 300 bottles worldwide, will be available exclusively from Lochranza Distillery on the Isle of Arran and via mail order from June 3, 2026, at an RRP of £105.
The expression was matured originally in bourbon barrels for six years before being finished in Australian Cabernet Sauvignon casks for seven years. The finishing period is significantly longer and the cask choice more unconventional than Arran’s core range of wine cask-finished single malts, which use Port, Amarone, and Sauternes casks.
Bottled at 46% ABV, official tasting notes from the brand describe smooth toffee, delicate florals, fruit, and sweet spice.
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READ THE STORYEuan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “This Arran Single Malt is our tribute to a man whose ideas changed how we understand the world around us. The concept of ‘Deep Time’ resonates strongly with whisky making, where patience, maturation and natural processes are everything.”
The Isle of Arran holds particular significance in Hutton’s scientific legacy. It was at Lochranza that Hutton discovered the first physical evidence of a geological unconformity, a key observation that supported his groundbreaking Theory of the Earth.
Professor Colin Campbell, CEO of The James Hutton Institute, said: “Arran is of great importance in James Hutton’s story because it is where he saw the very first evidence of an Unconformity in the rocks at Lochranza. This, with other evidence, led to his world changing Theory of the Earth. The island is so rich in geology, and we are delighted funds raised will support the Geopark on the island.”
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James Hutton (1726–1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment whose concept of “deep time” reshaped scientific thinking and laid the foundations for modern geology. His work influenced subsequent theories including evolution and Earth systems science.
The collaboration between Isle of Arran Distillers and The James Hutton Institute reflects shared values around respect for the natural environment and a commitment to heritage and innovation.
