Lochranza Distillery, the home of Arran Single Malt, has been awarded Distillery of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Whisky Awards. The accolade for the Isle of Arran Distillers-owned facility recognizes its quality and innovation during its 30th-anniversary year.
This win follows the same award being given to its sister site, Lagg Distillery, in 2023.
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In addition to the top prize, the Arran Single Malt 10-Year-Old secured a gold medal in the Single Malt Scotch – 12 Years and Under category.
“Seeing Lochranza named Distillery of the Year is a tremendous honor for all of us at Isle of Arran Distillers and a fantastic way to finish our anniversary year,” said Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillers.
Mitchell continued: “Coming so soon after Lagg received the same award in 2023, it feels incredibly special to have both of our distilleries recognized at the highest level. It’s a testament to the passion and dedication of our entire team.”
Spirit first flowed from the Lochranza stills in 1995, legally reintroducing whisky distillation to the island after an absence of more than 150 years.
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The award caps a milestone year for the distillery. To mark three decades of production, the company sold 30 rare Palo Cortado Sherry Casks that were filled on the anniversary of its first cask filling.
A new Arran 30-Year-Old Single Malt First Release was also launched, featuring a 1995 ex-Sherry hogshead selected by distillery manager Stewart Bowman.
Earlier in its anniversary year, the distillery bottled and auctioned the very first cask of Scotch whisky produced on Arran in over a century. The auction raised over £150,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The Arran Single Malt brand underwent a significant rebrand in 2019 to enhance its global appeal. The distillery’s growth has run parallel to the development of its peated whisky facility, Lagg, which opened in the southern part of the island.
Lochranza Distillery also operates as a key tourist destination, with its visitor center and café open seven days a week. It offers guided tours and tastings for visitors to the island.
“We are incredibly proud to be a key tourist attraction on the Isle of Arran, alongside so many other fantastic experiences the island has to offer, and to be recognized with this award,” said Lindsay Patrick, Lochranza Visitor Centre manager.
Patrick added: “We look forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2026, and to seeing both new and familiar faces coming through our doors.”
The Scottish Whisky Awards is an annual program that recognizes excellence across the Scotch whisky industry.
