The Midgie Returns: Ardnamurchan Distillery’s New Whisky Pays Tribute to Scotland’s Boldest Insect

Ardnamurchan Distillery in the remote western Highlands of Scotland has launched a fresh version of its playful whisky, The Midgie. This single malt celebrates the true Highland spirit – quite literally – with a nod to one of the area’s most notorious residents: the tiny, yet fearsome, Scottish midge.

A Whisky with Character – Just Like Its Namesake

The Midgie Single Malt first appeared as a limited release back in 2022 and quickly became a local favourite. Its comeback delivers more than just a rebranded bottle – it brings a refined taste experience and a deeper connection to its origins. Known for their persistence and unpredictability, midges are an unavoidable part of Highland life. Ardnamurchan decided to honour this pesky creature with a whisky that’s just as lively.

This new iteration of The Midgie combines spirit matured in both sherry and bourbon casks. The result is a dram that balances sweetness and spice with earthy undertones, creating a flavour that intrigues and lingers — much like the midge itself.

Design That Bites – In a Good Way

The updated bottle comes with a refreshed label design, featuring playful illustrations of midges circling the dram. It’s both quirky and authentic, reflecting Ardnamurchan’s sense of place and humour. The distillery collaborated with Scottish illustrator Iain McIntosh, who managed to capture the chaos and charm of these persistent insects with fine detail.

More than just an eye-catching design, the artwork connects drinkers with the local environment. Every element, from the label to the whisky, has roots in Highland culture and land.

Eco-Friendly Packaging from a Green-Focused Distillery

Staying true to its environmentally conscious approach, Ardnamurchan ensured that packaging for The Midgie remains 100% recyclable. The label is printed with biodegradable ink, and the bottle is made from recycled glass. The distillery has long been committed to sustainability, using local ingredients and renewable energy in its production processes.

Learn more about Ardnamurchan’s eco-initiatives on their sustainability footprint.

An Annual Drop Worth Waiting For

Ardnamurchan plans to bottle The Midgie annually, turning it into a recurring celebration of Highland resilience. With its unique story, careful cask selection, and creative packaging, it’s more than just a whisky – it’s a spirited tribute to one of Scotland’s smallest, yet most unforgettable, creatures.

While it won’t be available year-round, whisky fans can look forward to this annual release as part of the distillery’s evolving range of innovative releases. Keep an eye on local outlets or visit Ardnamurchan’s official site for future updates.

Curious About The Midgie?

• Is The Midgie a peated whisky?
  Yes. Like many Ardnamurchan expressions, The Midgie features a gentle peat influence, though it is well-balanced with sweet and spicy notes from the cask aging.
• What casks were used in its maturation?
  The Midgie is matured in a mix of sherry and bourbon barrels, which provide a rich and complex flavour profile.
• Can I find The Midgie worldwide?
  While distribution varies, Ardnamurchan typically releases their whiskies to international markets. Availability depends on demand and allocation from the distillery.
• Why is it called The Midgie?
  The name is a tribute to the Highland midge – a tiny, biting insect common in the Scottish Highlands. Known for its persistence, it’s a symbolic part of local life.
• Where is Ardnamurchan Distillery located?
  Sitting on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, west of Fort William, the distillery is one of the most remote on the mainland, offering scenic views and rich, natural resources.

If you’re interested in other Scottish whisky stories, check out this guide to Scotland’s top distilleries.