Since its establishment in 1815, The Ardbeg distillery has been on a tumultuous rollercoaster ride of ownership changes, closures, and reopening. Stability was only achieved relatively recently, when the ailing distillery was purchased in 1997 by industry giants, Glenmorangie. The subsequent years have seen the distillery’s popularity swell, with fans enticed by the signature style of tarry, sooty smoke, balanced against citric sweetness and an oily mouthfeel. While Ardbeg still retains its distinctive personality, it has definitely been influenced by Glenmorangie’s propensity for experimenting with cask finishing, and (dare we say it) NAS expressions.
• Region: Islay (South Coast, near Port Ellen)
• Known for: Producing some of the world’s most intensely peated single malts, combining powerful smoke with surprising sweetness and depth. Revered for its purifiers on the stills, which help refine the spirit and add Ardbeg’s signature balance of heavy peat with elegance.
• Signature style: Rich peat smoke, tar, sea spray, lime zest, herbal notes, black pepper, vanilla, charcoal, and a distinctive oily, maritime character.
• Casks used: Predominantly ex-bourbon barrels and American oak hogsheads, along with regular use of Oloroso sherry casks. Limited editions often explore PX, red wine, port, Marsala, and experimental cask combinations.
• Notes: Ardbeg is celebrated as one of Islay’s peatiest distilleries, known for its cult following and award-winning releases. The purifier on the spirit still is one of the key factors that gives Ardbeg its signature “smoky yet smooth” profile. After a period of closure in the 1990s, the distillery was revived and has since become one of the most iconic names in heavily peated whisky.
Our whisky casks are sourced exclusively from some of Scotland’s most prestigious
and renowned distilleries, ensuring exceptional quality and true provenance.
