More than 150 years after the last licensed distillery at this spot on the Isle of Arran was forced to close in 1837, whisky production returned to the island's southern tip in 2019 with Lagg. Built on the site of a former flax mill in the village of the same name, Lagg is the second distillery of Isle of Arran Distillers – alongside the already established site at Lochranza.

Unlike the comparatively mild Lochranza bottlings, Lagg is consistently built around heavily peated whiskies. Construction was completed in early 2019, with the first distillation taking place that same spring, and the distillery opening to visitors in June 2019. From LAGG Corriecravie to Kilmory Edition, you will find the right bottle for every occasion in our selection.

Why was Arran a hotspot for illicit distilling?

In the 19th century, the Isle of Arran, with its fertile barley-growing soil and remote location – which offered protection from excise raids – was a veritable mecca for illegal whisky-making. The last licensed distillery in the village of Lagg, at the island's southern tip, was nonetheless forced to close in 1837 due to poor management, transport difficulties, and competition from larger mainland distilleries.

How did whisky production return to Lagg?

In 2016, the owners of the Lochranza distillery, Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd., announced plans for a second site in the south of the island, specialising in peated whisky. Construction on the site of a former flax mill was completed in early 2019, with the first distillation taking place that same spring. In June 2019, Lagg officially opened its doors to the public – over 150 years after the original distillery at the same site had closed.

Overview of the most popular bottlings

1. LAGG Corriecravie Edition
Named after a hamlet near the distillery.
Taste: Bold peat smoke with maritime freshness.
Serving suggestion: An exciting introduction to Arran's peated style.

2. LAGG Kilmory Edition
Named after another location in the south of Arran.
Taste: Smoky and spicy with fruity sweetness.
Serving suggestion: For anyone wanting to discover peated island whisky beyond Islay.

Facts and figures

Location: village of Lagg, southern Isle of Arran. First (historic) distillery: 1825-1837. Reopened: June 2019. Owner: Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd.