Ardbeg Scotch Whisky

Ardbeg Scotch whisky distillery was one of the original Kildalton distilleries, situated on the southern shore of the Island of Islay.

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

Between 1981 and 1989 it was 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.

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.

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 Whisky Tasting Notes

Distillery Style

Nose : Thick with Tar, smoke and seaweed.

Palate : Full bodied. Sweet, oily and smoky with a hint

  of citrus and spice.

Finish : Long and smoky.