Whisky Legend Stewart Hunter Laing Passes Away at 79

Whisky Industry Mourns a Giant: Remembering the 60-Year Legacy of Hunter Laing's Founder

The whisky world has received the sad news that Stewart Hunter Laing, founder of Hunter Laing & Co and Islay's Ardnahoe Distillery, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at the age of 79. With over 60 years of dedication to the industry, he was deeply respected. Despite health challenges in his later years, he faced them with resilience and humor, remaining involved in business operations and offering guidance until the end. His passion for football and the Queen’s Park FC also played a significant role in his life.

Stewart's career began as an apprentice at Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay, followed by training at Ballantine’s. The peak of his career was spent at the family business Douglas Laing & Co Ltd, working alongside his father and brother Fred, where he pivoted the business toward Single Cask expressions. He built the world-renowned Old Malt Cask brand and led the independent bottler to receive the Queen's Award for Export Achievement in 1990.

In 2013, Stewart founded Hunter Laing & Co Ltd with his sons and fulfilled his dream of building the Ardnahoe distillery on Islay, which began production in 2018. One of his final milestones was personally signing the Ardnahoe Inaugural Release in Edinburgh on May 10, 2024. A Master of the Keepers of the Quaich, his extraordinary contributions are etched in whisky history. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Yvonne, his children, and grandchildren.

📅 Release Date: 2026-04-10

🔗 Source: https://thewhiskywire.com/2026/04/10/stewart-hunter-laing-passes-away-aged-79/