Scottish whisky distillery Ardbeg has opened a dramatic boutique hotel on the island of Islay, with rooms featuring retired still artwork and hidden whisky buttons. Olivia Palamountain reports

Cult Islay whisky maker Ardbeg has opened a 12-room boutique hotel steps from its distillery, featuring accommodation designed around local legends and copper wall art crafted from decommissioned distillery equipment.

Ardbeg House, located in Port Ellen on the Scottish island of Islay, represents an unusual expansion for the whisky brand into hospitality. Each suite incorporates thematic elements reflecting different aspects of Islay's history, from notorious smugglers' hideaways to mythical creatures rumoured to inhabit the coastlines.

The property features several distinctive touches that blend whisky production with accommodation. Rooms include buttons labelled "Press for Smoke" that reveal hidden whisky servings, whilst copper wall art has been crafted from a retired Ardbeg still. A custom-designed boat chandelier and handcrafted pieces from over 20 Scottish and Islay artisans complete the interiors, designed in collaboration with Russell Sage Studio. The hotel establishes a daily ritual at 18.15 - referencing Ardbeg's 1815 founding year - when all guests are invited to the Islay Bar for "whisky hour" featuring Ardbeg Badger Juice, a small-batch whisky with a secret recipe available only by the dram at the hotel. The property also offers Islay-exclusive whiskies including Ardbeg Homecoming and Ardbeg House Reserve.

Dining experiences centre around communal concepts, with the signature restaurant featuring a central fire table serving as a "top table" for shared meals. Every Friday, "Shortie's Table" - named after Ardbeg's canine mascot - offers set menus with whisky pairings for guests wanting to share stories with fellow diners.Caspar MacRae, president and chief executive of Ardbeg, says: "Islay has been Ardbeg's home for over 200 years - and we are so excited to be sharing this world-class whisky and hospitality experience in the heart of Port Ellen, just a stone's throw from the distillery. At Ardbeg House, we will immerse the island's visitors and local community in local stories and Ardbeggian rituals - as well as sharing some very exclusive whiskies. Ardbeg House is a one-of-a-kind travel destination which will further enhance Islay's reputation as one of the best places on the planet for whisky tourism."
The property includes The Untamed Courtyard featuring a handcrafted smoker and grill operated by distillery technician Daniel Branson, offering barbecued dishes that mirror Ardbeg's signature smoky flavour profile. Daily distillery tours are reserved exclusively for hotel guests.

The hotel represents Ardbeg's response to growing whisky tourism, with thousands of enthusiasts making annual pilgrimages to the distillery since the brand was saved from closure in 1997.