Established in 1815 by the Mac Dougalls, the Ardbeg Distillery is nestled in a rocky cove on Islay’s southern tip. It was taken over by Hiram Walker & Sons in 1977 before being mothballed in 1981. Acquired by Glenmorangie Plc in 1997, Ardbeg was rescued from ruin and restored back to its former glory.

The most heavily peated single malts are produced in the Ardbeg Distillery. It is reminiscent of old whiskies.

The spring water is drawn from two lakes: Loch Uigeadail and Loch Arinambeast. Only one wash still and one spirit still are used for distillation. Their wide necks probably contribute to the oily and full body of the Ardberg whisky. Another characteristic of the Ardbeg Distillery is that in the past there was no fans in the pagodas on the roof, causing the peaty smoke to permeate the malt for longer at other distilleries, hence the peaty flavours of this whisky.

Being rough and delicate at the same time, mixed with a great diversity of aromas and notes of liquorice and varnish, this whisky will certainly seduce the most refined of connoisseurs.