Scarabus is a single malt whisky that hails from the Ardnahoe Distillery, owned by Hunter Laing. This distillery is relatively new, having been established in 2018, but it has already made quite a name for itself in the whisky world. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting Scarabus and exploring the story behind it.
Ardnahoe Distillery is located on the picturesque Isle of Islay, known for its peaty and smoky whiskies. The distillery is situated in a stunning setting, with views of the Paps of Jura and the Sound of Islay. This location is not only beautiful, but it also plays a role in the character of the whisky produced here.
Hunter Laing, the owners of Ardnahoe Distillery, have a long history in the whisky industry. Stewart Laing, the Managing Director, comes from a family with over six decades of experience in bottling Scotch whisky. With this wealth of knowledge and expertise, it is no surprise that Scarabus is a top-notch single malt.
The name “Scarabus” itself carries a sense of mystery and intrigue. It is inspired by a mysterious and mythical place on the Isle of Islay, said to be the home of a fearsome spirit. This adds an element of storytelling to the whisky, making it even more enticing to whisky enthusiasts.
Now, let's talk about the whisky itself. Scarabus is a non-age statement whisky, which means that it does not carry an age statement on the bottle. This allows the distillery to focus on the flavor profile and craftsmanship of the whisky, rather than being limited by a specific age requirement. It also gives the distillers the ability to create a consistent and high-quality product.
Scarabus is known for its peaty and smoky character, which is characteristic of Islay whiskies. The peat used in the production of Scarabus comes from the surrounding hills and moorlands of Islay, giving it a distinct and robust flavor. The smokiness is balanced with notes of fruit, vanilla, and spices, creating a complex and well-rounded whisky.
One of the things that I appreciate about Scarabus is its versatility. It can be enjoyed neat, allowing you to fully experience the layers of flavors that unfold on your palate. However, it also stands up well in cocktails, adding a unique and smoky twist to classic whisky cocktails like the Old Fashioned or the Whisky Sour.
I had the opportunity to visit Ardnahoe Distillery and taste Scarabus straight from the source. The distillery itself is a sight to behold, with its gleaming copper stills and the smell of malted barley filling the air. The tour was informative and engaging, with the passionate staff sharing their knowledge and love for whisky.
At the end of the tour, we were treated to a tasting of Scarabus. The whisky was poured into a Glencairn glass, allowing the aromas to waft up and envelop our senses. The first sip was a revelation, with the peat and smoke hitting my palate in a delightful wave, followed by the subtle sweetness and spice. It was a truly memorable experience, one that I will cherish.
Scarabus is a single malt whisky that comes from the Ardnahoe Distillery, owned by Hunter Laing. The distillery is located on the Isle of Islay and is known for producing peaty and smoky whiskies. Scarabus itself is a non-age statement whisky with a robust flavor profile that balances peat, smoke, fruit, vanilla, and spices. It is a versatile whisky that can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails. My personal experience visiting the distillery and tasting Scarabus only reinforced my appreciation for this exceptional whisky.