Overview

Ardbeg is a single malt Scotch Whisky. Ardbeg is one of several working distilleries on the southern coast of the island of Islay. Others are Laphroaig and Lagavulin. Ardbeg claims to be the peatiest Islay whisky, and uses malted barley sourced from the (Diageo owned) maltings in Port Ellen. Distillery manager was Mr. Stuart Thomson from 1997 to 2006. On March 12th 2007, Michael "Mickey" Heads, the former manager at Jura took over the reins from Stuart Thomson. Ardbeg is renowned for its overtly peaty, smokey house style. Despite a pungent nose, formidable flavors, and high alcohol content, Ardbeg is surprisingly smooth on the palate, with a warm lingering finish.

The Ardbeg distillery was established in 1815, but was mothballed in 1981 when production stopped. Production resumed on a limited basis in 1989, and continued at a low level through late 1996. It was bought and reopened in 1997 by Glenmorangie Plc, with production resuming on June 25, 1997, with full production resuming in 1998. It is now one of the fastest growing Islay single-malts. Glenmorangie Plc. is jointly owned by the French company LVMH and the British company Diageo.

The Ardbeg Committee was established in 1945 to "promote the advancement of general knowledge and enjoyment of Ardbeg" (Quote: Rules and Regulations, page 4).