Ardbeg Scotch Whisky.

Ardbeg Whisky Distillery History

One of the original Kildalton distilleries, situated on the southern shore of the island.

The present distillery was built on the site of an illicit distillery, of which there were many in the area, in 1815. Ardbeg, unlike its neighbours Laphroaig and Lagavulin, has not enjoyed the same uninterrupted period of production since its opening.

In fact between 1981 and 1989 it was famously closed, whilst the then owners Allied distillers decided what to do with the distillery. It was re-opened in 1990 but only operated up to 6 weeks of the year from 1991 until 1996 when the distillery closed again...for good.

In 1997 the Glenmorangie company bought the distillery and all its stock, re-starting distillation in earnest in 1998, bringing much needed stability and expertise in maturation particularly. In effect they had resurrected a slumbering beast.

One of, if not the most, heavily peated malts from anywhere in Scotland, Ardbeg's pure spring water comes from Loch Uigeadail (the dark, mysterious place in Gaelic) via another loch called Airigh Nam Beist (shelter of the beast).

Ardbeg's 'house style' when young is all about warming peat smoke, smoked fish, seaweed with a balancing citrus sweetness, whilst the older bottlings take on more rich spices such as cinnamon and aniseed which integrate very well with the peat. For a 'younger' experience try Ardbeg 'Almost There' and for an older, more mature expression try Airigh Nam Beist 1990 or Lord of The Isles.

One of the most sought after malts by both collectors and drinkers, Ardbeg is commonly awarded the highest critical acclaim.'

Published 8 times a year Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes

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