Ardbeg's Rebirth from Ruins
Although immensely successful now, Ardbeg's history has been challenging. The distillery was repeatedly mothballed or faced demolition in the 1980s and 1990s. It wasn't until 1997, when the Glenmorangie Company (later acquired by LVMH) purchased the distillery, that Ardbeg experienced rebirth. This history created a valuable stock of aged inventory and solidified the loyalty of global fans. Want to learn more about the brand's rise and fall? See our feature: Whisky Brands You Need to Know- A Comprehensive Guide to Scotch and Japanese Brands.
The Purifier: The Flavor Soul of Ardbeg
Why does Ardbeg, with its high peat phenol level of 50-55 ppm (heavy peat), taste lighter and fruitier than its neighbors Laphroaig or Lagavulin? The secret lies in a small device on the stills - the Purifier.
1. Heavy Reflux
Connected below the Lyne Arm of Ardbeg's Spirit Still is a unique Purifier. This device captures heavier alcohol vapors, causes them to condense, and return to the still for re-distillation. This heavy reflux process removes heavy phenols and impurities from the spirit, allowing only the lightest vapors carrying esters (the source of floral and fruit notes) to pass through.
2. The Signature of Lemon and Lime
It is due to the Purifier that Ardbeg's New Make Spirit carries distinct notes of citrus, lemon, and lime peel. When these fresh fruit notes combine with heavy peat, they create the brand's unique 'sweet smoke' style. Want to delve deeper into the science of peat? Read: Peated Whisky Guide: How is the Phenolic Flavor Achieved?
The Ardbeg Committee - The World's Most Passionate Fan Club
Ardbeg's success is inseparable from its fan organization, the Ardbeg Committee. Established in 2000, its mission is to ensure the distillery never closes again. To reward its fans, the distillery releases an annual Committee Release limited edition, often sparking frenzied buying. Recently, the brand celebrated major milestones and leadership changes, including the appointment of its first female Distillery Manager.
Related News: Ardbeg Smokiverse Celebrates 25 Years of the Ardbeg Committee
Further Reading: Historic Appointment at Ardbeg Welcomes First Modern Female Distillery Manager
Essential Ardbeg Bottlings Guide
Ardbeg 10 Year Old - The Classic of Classics
Non-chill filtered, Natural Color, bottled at 46% ABV. Ardbeg 10 Year Old is the textbook reference for experiencing the brand's style. Unadorned by sherry casks, it showcases pure ex-bourbon cask notes: intense smoky peat, sea-saltiness, balanced by the sweetness of lemon, lime, and liquorice.
→ Shop Ardbeg 10 Year Old
Ardbeg Uigeadail - Deep Embrace of Sherry and Peat
Pronounced 'Oog-a-dal'. This expression blends spirit matured in both ex-bourbon and heavily seasoned sherry casks. Ardbeg Uigeadail reveals rich layers reminiscent of Christmas cake- dried fruits, brown sugar, leather, and espresso, perfectly interwoven with peat smoke, presenting an oily and full body.
→ Shop Ardbeg Uigeadail
Ardbeg Corryvreckan - Vortex of Spicy Impact
Named after the famous whirlpool off the northern coast of Islay. Ardbeg Corryvreckan features spirit matured partially in new French Limousin Oak casks. This imparts intense notes of black pepper, clove, and dark chocolate, resulting in a mouthfeel as powerful, spicy, and vibrant as a vortex.
→ Shop Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old - The Young Beast
Aged for only 5 years, this bottling aims to showcase the rawest, most untamed power of Ardbeg's peat. Wee Beastie is full of crushed black pepper, pine resin, and smoky bacon notes, making it the preferred choice for Highballs or lovers of intense flavors.
→ Shop Ardbeg Wee Beastie
Alcohol Please guides you into the smoky universe of Ardbeg. Whether for daily enjoyment or rare collecting, this is a paradise for peat lovers. Want to compare other Islay giants? Please browse the Islay Whisky Section or return to the Scotch Whisky Overview. More distillery information can be found at Wikipedia: Ardbeg distillery.
Sold out
