But where to begin? Perhaps some context is required. Scotch whisky has a long tradition of keeping ‘distillery houses’. Sometimes, they’re the former residence of a manager or owner, and, over the years, many distillers have either retained or bought back homes close to their stills to accommodate guests. Glenrothes has its charming old manse, Macallan has Easter Elchies, Bowmore has its cottages, Chivas has the grand Linn House. Loch Lomond makes up for what its distillery may lack in traditional beauty with what can only be described as a small palace, while both Tamdhu and Glenturret have also recently acquired homes of their own. However, none of these are ‘hotels’ in the traditional sense.

For many years, Ardbeg’s sister distillery was the exception to this rule. Glenmorangie House operates as a bona fide boutique hotel, while also offering special events and experiences. Think: whisky weekenders with cocktail classes, foraging, BBQs, and the like. (Incidentally, both Linn House and Rothes Glen in Speyside offer similar luxury ‘mini-break’ experiences that are well worth checking out.)

Given this history, it seems only fitting that Ardbeg finally got its own place, and considering the sense of fun at the heart of its identity, I think we all had high hopes. I’m happy to report that the Ardbeg team didn’t let us down. Refurbishing the former Islay Hotel in Port Ellen, while retaining and retraining its original staff, is no small investment in the distillery’s island home, and from the outset, it was decided that the reimagined hotel, rechristened Ardbeg House, would be open to all: an asset for the community as much as the distillery.

Reimagined by the talented team at Russell Sage Studio, the same creatives behind the interiors at both Glenmorangie House and the Fife Arms, there’s genuine joy to be found behind every door. Almost every interior item is bespoke and harks back to some element of Ardbeg history or Islay lore — whether it’s sea creatures or spaceships, treasure maps, or wee beasties. The maximalist colour palette, liberal use of jaw-dropping marble, and plethora of textures are a panacea to all who’re sick of Scandi-minimalist interiors. Most of the furniture has been upcycled, and no creative stone has been left unturned: the drinks trolley is a motorcycle, there’s an octopus on the ceiling, and a real rowing boat hanging from the roof of the bar. Each of the 12 striking suites and bedrooms tells a different Ardbeg tale, and there are whisky miniatures cunningly hidden in each.

The distiller’s long-term partnership with the bartending experts at Mothership Scotland (parent of the world-famous Bramble, Lucky Liquor, and Last Word bars in Edinburgh) has also been brought to bear here, demonstrating that only the best would do for bar training and the cocktail menu. Meanwhile, a talented kitchen is serving local produce for the restaurant and private-dining offering.

Last but not least, there are two whiskies exclusively available to visitors: the only-by-the-dram ‘Badger Juice’ (a reference to Dr Bill Lumsden’s anagrammatic pet name for Ardbeg), and the 21-year-old Ardbeg House Reserve. As a proponent of all things fun in whisky, I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s wacky yet luxurious, and a real delight. But what else would you expect from the Badger’s hoose?