Ardbeg is a single malt Scotch Whisky. Ardbeg is one of three working distilleries on the southern coast of the island of Islay. The others are Laphroaig and Lagavulin. Ardbeg claims to be the peatiest Islay whisky, and has its maltings in Port Ellen. Distillery manager is Mr. Stuart Thomson (2005).
History
The Ardbeg distillery was established in 1815, but was 'mothballed' in 1981 when production stopped. It was bought and reopened in 1997 by Glenmorangie Plc, and is now one of the fastest growing Islay malts. Glenmorangie Plc. is jointly owned by the French company, LVMH, and the British company, Diageo.
The Ardbeg Committee has been established in 2000 to "promote the advancement of general knowledge and enjoyment of Ardbeg" (Quote: Rules and Regulations, page 4). All Ardbeg-aficionados can join this Committee on Ardbeg's website (see below). Special bottlings can sometimes be obtained by members of this committee.
Bottlings
Ardbeg often bottles its whiskies at a higher alcohol level than the minimum 40% ABV. Many bottlings are also non-chillfiltered. Both measures contribute to produce a full-flavoured whisky.
There are many official bottlings, important ones are:
- Ardbeg Very Young - Committee Approved, 58,3% ABV. In 2004 this 6yo was released, and the distillery plans on releasing an older version every year until new stocks reach 10 years. Very Young Ardbeg - For Discussion was first sold in 2003 as a 6 yo, to give Ardbeg-lovers the chance to taste the first whisky produced since the reopening in 1997.
- Ardbeg 10yo, 46% ABV, which is the most regular and widely available edition.
- Ardbeg 17yo, 40% ABV, increasingly harder to find since the distillery was closed from 1981 to 1997, and stocks are low.
- Ardbeg Uigeadail, (no age), 54,2% ABV, named after the loch that provides the distillery with water. Pronounce oog-a-dal.
- Ardbeg 25yo, Lord of the Isles, 46% ABV.
Independent bottlings are often available.
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