Ardbeg

Ardbeg is located on the south coast of the island of Islay and is documented as an officially founded distillery in 1815. Throughout its history it has experienced periods of closure and revival: production stopped in 1981 and the distillery was rescued, relaunched and brought back to full activity in the late 1990s under the ownership of The Glenmorangie Company (today part of the LVMH group). The Ardbeg name and brand have been registered since the early 20th century and the distillery has become a benchmark for Islay’s peated single malts.

Ardbeg celebrates the 'untamed' Islay style: a very peated spirit balanced by choice of raw materials, production process and careful maturation. The house emphasizes island identity (local waters, maritime influence), a strong taste personality and its relationship with the community of enthusiasts (e.g. "The Committee"), alongside creative brand and communication initiatives.

Islay Island, Argyll and Bute, Scotland (United Kingdom)

Ardbeg uses heavily peated malt (around 50 ppm), local spring water (Loch Uigeadail) and milling with the historic Boby mill. Fermentation takes place in wooden washbacks made from Oregon wood; distillation is double in pot stills with a 'purifier' on the spirit still that increases reflux and contributes to the balance of the phenolic character. Maturation is carried out mainly in ex-Bourbon barrels, with selected use of Sherry butts and French oak for some expressions; first- and second-fill casks are preferred.

Double distillation in pot stills with a purifier on the spirit still (an apparatus that increases reflux and helps balance the phenolic profile).

Maturation in oak casks (mainly ex-Bourbon), use of Sherry butts and selected French oak for some expressions; employment of first- and second-fill casks.