Isle of Arran Distillers has announced the launch of a new limited-edition release, in partnership with The James Hutton Institute, to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Hutton, the pioneering Scottish thinker who transformed our understanding of the Earth.

Arran – James Hutton The Geologist (46% ABV) is a 13 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, initially matured in Bourbon barrels for six years before being finished in Australian Cabernet Sauvignon casks for a further seven years.

James Hutton (1726–1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment who revolutionised 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.

This latest release, which features a less conventional finishing cask and a significantly longer finishing period than Arran’s core range of wine cask-finished single malts, is said to reflect Hutton’s pioneering spirit. The whisky offers a distinctive and complex character befitting such an innovator, with notes of smooth toffee, delicate florals, fruit and sweet spice.

Commenting on the launch, 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.”

Limited to just 300 bottles, Arran – James Hutton The Geologist, is now available exclusively from the Lochranza Distillery on the Isle of Arran, for a RRP of £105.00.