Isle of Arran Distillers (IOAD), in partnership with The James Hutton Institute, is proud to announce the release of an exceptional limited edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky, created to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Hutton, the radical Scottish thinker who changed our view of the earth forever. One of Scotland’s greatest Enlightenment thinkers: Hutton recognised the earth as a living, dynamic system shaped over deep time and revealed the cycles of heat, erosion and uplift that transformed our understanding of the planet.
This rare 13 year old Single Malt has been matured originally in Bourbon Barrels for 6 years before being finished in Australian Cabernet Sauvignon casks for 7 years. This expression features a less conventional finishing cask over a significantly longer period compared to Arran’s core range of wine cask-finished Single Malt Whiskies using Port, Amarone and Sauternes wine casks. The more esoteric choice of cask reflects the pioneering spirit of James Hutton and the resulting whisky has a distinctive and complex character befitting of this innovator in his field. Bottled at 46% ABV, it offers notes of smooth toffee, delicate florals, fruit and sweet spice. Just 300 bottles have been produced worldwide, making this a highly collectible release.
Available exclusively from Lochranza Distillery on the Isle of Arran, the whisky celebrates not only Hutton’s legacy, but also his deep connection to the island. Arran played a pivotal role in Hutton’s groundbreaking work, providing some of the first physical evidence supporting his Theory of the Earth through the Arran Unconformity.
James Hutton (1726–1797), a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, transformed our understanding of the natural world. His concept of “Deep Time” reshaped scientific thinking and laid the foundations for modern geology, influencing theories such as evolution and Earth systems science.
Euan 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.”
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”.
This collaboration reflects shared values between the two organisations, from a deep respect for the natural environment to a commitment to knowledge, innovation and heritage. As Hutton himself demonstrated, observation of nature and time are central to understanding both the earth beneath our feet and the spirit in our glass.
Bottle is being released on 3rd June 2026 on shelves in Lochranza and on mail order.
RRP: £105 per bottle
