Ardbeg is a distillery that is situated in the South Coast of Islay, in the Inner Hebrides group of Islands, in Scotland. They are known for their heavily peated Scotch whisky. Yes, this is the same whisky that Keanu Reaves is seen drinking in Constantine.

The Ardbeg distillery has been producing whisky since 1798, and began commercial production in 1815. It was founded by John McDougall, farmer and clan descendant of the Lords of the Isles. Ardbeg started producing blended whisky rather than single malts, like most Scotch whisky makers. By 1886, they had produced 300,000 gallons of whisky.

The ownership of the distillery has changed hands a few times and is now owned by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, which also owns other premium brands like Belvedere vodka, Hennessy cognac, Moet Chandon Champagne and Glenmorangie single malt that are only a few of them from their stable.

The name Ardbeg is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word, Ard Beg, meaning small headland

The Produce:

What continues to surprise everyone is the output of liquor from this distillery? With only 2 pots, they are able to achieve 17,000 liters of output in spirit and 18000 liters in wash.

The distillery has a capacity output of close to 12, 50,000 liters of whisky

Ardbeg has released many expressions over the period of time and the next would be today, the 30th of May 30, 2015 but this would be available for purchase only at the distillery. Those who would be visiting the distillery to be a part of their huge celebrations commemorating their 200th year would be lucky customers to Ardbeg Perpetuum.

The other brands from the distillery are the infamous 10 year old, Auri Verdes, Airigh Nam Beist, Blasda, Corryvreckan, Supernova, Uigeadail, Rollercoaster, Alligator, Ardbeg Day, Galileo, Ardbog and their blended whisky that happened because of an error, the Serendipity.

The whisky is bottled at higher alcohol by volume and are no longer chill filtered thus keeping their flavours and the fruity aromas intact. They do not lower their alcohol content as diluting would again kill the profile of the whisky.

Recognitions:

Apart from being awarded the World Whisky of the year and best single malt Scotch of the year 2008, they have also won a lot of medals from 2008- 2012.

The Whisky Bible of Jim Murray has recognized Ardbeg 10 year old

and the Uigeadail expression as the best in the years 2008, 2009 & 2010 respectively.

The Galileo, a limited edition 12 year expression, won the award for the best single malt in the year 2013 in the World Whisky Awards.

Here is how an Ardbeg 10 year old would taste

Aroma:

Intense smoky fruit, zesty lemon and lime and dark chocolate initially. Further nosing would bring out the bouquet of green bell peppers, baked pineapples, bacon and smoked fish. Adding a splash of water would bring out the oceanic minerality, brine and sweeter expressions of vanilla and toffee.

Taste:

Crackling peat, tangy lemon and lime juice, black pepper pops with sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. This is followed by a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. Smoke gradually wells up on the palate bringing a mouthful of warm creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows. As the taste lengthens and deepens, dry espresso, liquorice root and tarry smoke develop coating the palate with chewy peat oils.

Finish:

Lengthy smoky finish with espresso, toasted nuts, mild barley and fresh pear

I have always loved the peaty Islay’s and it so happens that 2 of my favourite single malt making distilleries have completed 200 years of being in operation, the other being Laphroaig.

Have you developed a taste for them yet? If not, you are not too late as they have a lot more of centuries under their strong community to keep teasing your taste buds year after year with a new dram.

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