The Art

blender writing in notebook

The Art of Ardray lies in our blended whisky itself.

A labour of love, a product of passion — it took over two years and hundreds of prototypes to achieve. It wasn’t easy to create the exquisite balance of our blend, but it was definitely worth it.

HOW DID WE APPROACH THIS?

We sourced malt and grain whiskies from an array of Scottish distilleries within the Beam Suntory (owners of Laphroaig, Bowmore and Glen Garioch) and the Edrington Group (owners of The Macallan, Glenrothes and Highland Park) families. The team selected fine whiskies, from just a handful of distilleries, that range in age up to 20 years old, and reflect the expanse of Scottish terroir, each bringing a unique character that elevates the entire Ardray blend.


From these foundations, our blenders experimented with tiny increments of each style of whisky in the blend, until they found the point of perfect harmony between malts and grains. Ardray comes alive at this point of exquisite balance, where neither malts nor grains dominate, but rather, complement and elevate each other. A point where rich and bold flavours form an expressive and elegant blend, and where you discover a deeper appreciation with every sip.


With an ideal harmony of malts and grains, Ardray expresses a refined, yet approachable flavour profile. Within its malt-rich blend, you’ll experience a carefully curated selection of whiskies, which gives Ardray its complex, multi-layered taste.

Ardray blended whisky process in mash tun

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO TAKE YOUR FIRST SIP?

The initial aroma of Ardray is gentle and intriguing. You can already sense the creamy sweetness, hints of apple, pear and plum lying over a soft, savoury smokiness. As you sip, you’re met with a mild, gentle floral and citrus fruitiness. And as it expands, its vanilla custard creaminess and silkiness comes to life, creating a complex, multi-layered mouthfeel. A long-lasting and mellow finish carries notes of soft smoke and hints of warming spices.


To make the most of its complex characteristics, Ardray is a non-chill filtered whisky bottled at a slightly higher ABV of 48% and with a completely natural light golden colour due to years of gentle cask maturation. Ultimately, Ardray is more than the sum of its parts. The malts and grains are treated as equals, contributing their unique flavour notes, drawn from both terroir and distillery process, to elevate the whole blend. It explores the wild character of Scotch whiskies, while still balancing the precision of Suntory’s Japanese blenders.

Just like all forms of art, Ardray is for the curious and the open-minded.

We created it to spark conversations, thoughts, and even debates. It is characterful enough to be complex, yet smooth and approachable meaning it can be savoured, without being too demanding.

We hope you get to enjoy Ardray’s fresh approach to blended Scotch whisky, designed with the Scotch whisky enthusiast in mind. Pour a glass, take your first few sips, and savour what the experience has to offer.

ardray whisky kit experience in glass

More to Explore

Expression of a Quest

The heritage, tradition, and wild terroir of Scotland. The delicate artistry of Suntory blenders from Japan.

 

Ardray is a Blended Scotch whisky that challenges expectations. Each bottle holds a fresh perspective on what Blended Scotch whisky can be.

 

ardray cliffside and ocean story card

The Muse

Our Scottish inspiration and a beautiful variety of Scotch Whisky flavours.

ardray scottish terroirs landscape

The Artist

The Suntory blending team in Japan and their elegant expression of blended Scotch.

ardray artist man making whisky

Ardray® Blended Scotch Whisky

The heritage, tradition, and wild terroir of Scotland. The delicate artistry of Suntory blenders from Japan. Ardray is a Blended Scotch whisky that challenges expectations.

Each bottle holds a fresh perspective on what Blended Scotch whisky can be.

A bottle of Ardray blended Scotch whisky in warm light