Infinite Loch is the first permanent core range single malt from the Islay distillery of Ardnahoe. It was released in September 2024 and followed the limited edition Inaugural Release from earlier in the year – this bottling made it into Our Top 10 Whiskies of 2024 list. The whisky is named after the nearby Loch Ardnahoe, known locally as ‘the infinite loch’ as no one knows its depth. It has no age stated and has a recipe of 85% first-fill ex-bourbon cask and 15% first-fill ex-sherry cask (both ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez).
Ardnahoe was founded by independent whisky bottlers Hunter Laing & Co. in 2017 and began production in August 2018. It was the first new distillery on Islay since Kilchoman was founded in 2005. Ardnahoe translates as ‘height of the hollow’ from Scots Gaelic and sits on the rugged northeastern coast of Islay. It between Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila, and looks across the fast flowing Strait of Islay to the neighbouring island of Jura and its famous Paps.
Ardnahoe has an annual production capacity of 740,000 litres, which makes it one of the smaller distilleries on the island. It is also the only one on Islay to have traditional wormtub condensers, and one of just a handful in the entirity of Scotland. Water for production comes from the aforementioned Loch Ardnahoe. They make a mid-range peated style of spirit.
The Ardnahoe Infinite Loch is bottled at 50% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. it is available in selected global markets via specialist whisky retailers, and also from www.ardnahoedistillery.com. A bottle should cost around £55.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is bright gold with a tint of amber and the nose is refreshingly sweet and smoky. Aromas of vanilla pod and citrus oil, both lemon and lime, rise first as does a hint of underripe strawberry. The peat smoke threatens to overwhelm these aromas, but holds back just enough – it has an ashy and flinty, almost mineral feel. Hints of dried tropical fruit, especially mango and papaya, sit in the background.
On the palate, this whisky feels bright and vibrant with plenty of sweet and ashy peat smoke to the fore – this is reminiscent of charcoal or bonfire ash with a hint of that flinty/mineral note from the nose. The smoke acts to bind all the other characteristics together superbly. Vanilla ice cream, fudge and brown sugar add sweetness, as do further notes of icing sugar and dried mango. The sweetness and smokiness is accentuated by a twist of fresh lime zest. Underneath sits a distinct grassy/hay-like note and a pinch of white pepper.
The finish is long with the bonfire-like peat smoke drawing it out. Something bitter and herbal sits underneath, especially once the sweet and fruity elements begin to fade. This also brings out a distinct warmth with hit and peppery spices dominating. A pinch of salt appears right at the end.
What’s The Verdict?
We loved the Inaugural Release and were excited to try this permanent addition to Ardnahoe’s line-up. While that first bottling was a little richer, and older we suspect, the Infinite Loch is equally as impressive. There is plenty going on and it exhibits a depth and complexity beyond its years. It is not just smoke, but has layers of fruit, sweetness and spice. Ardnahoe is definitely one to watch and it will be very interesting to see how their spirit develops with further time. This is a very promising start.
