Ardbeg

Ardbeg Distillery is situated on the southern coast of Islay, an island in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. Islay is famous for its intensely peaty and smoky whiskies and has a long tradition of whisky production.

History
Ardbeg Distillery was founded in 1815 by John McDougall. It has experienced several periods of closure and changes in ownership throughout its history. It was reopened and revitalised in 1997 when it was acquired by Glenmorangie Company, a subsidiary of LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton).

Production Style & Core Range
Ardbeg is known for its heavily peated whisky, with a robust, smoky and complex character. The distillery uses malted barley with a high phenol content, resulting in a pronounced peatiness. Ardbeg offers a distinctive core range that highlights its peaty style. Key expressions include:

• Ardbeg 10 Year Old: Known for its balance of peat, citrus, and sweetness.
• Ardbeg An Oa: Features a more rounded profile with added complexity from a variety of cask types.
• Ardbeg Uigeadail: Combines smoky, rich, and sweet flavors with influences from sherry casks.
• Ardbeg Corryvreckan: Named after a local whirlpool, it's known for its intense and powerful character.
• Ardbeg Wee Beastie: A five year old.

Limited Editions
In addition to its core range, Ardbeg releases special limited-edition whiskies and annual special bottlings that often explore unique cask finishes or higher strengths. These releases are highly sought after by whisky enthusiasts.

Community
Ardbeg is an integral part of the Islay community and whisky culture. The distillery engages with its fans through events such as Ardbeg Day, celebrated annually as part of the Islay Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), featuring special releases and festivities.

Visitor Centre 
Ardbeg Distillery has a popular visitor centre, offering tours and tastings. Visitors can explore the distillery, learn about its history and production process, and sample its distinctive whiskies. The Old Kiln Café at the distillery is also a notable attraction.