Ardbeg
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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 has its 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.
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[edit] History
The Ardbeg distillery was established in 1815, but was mothballed in 1981 when production stopped. It was bought and reopened in 1997 by Glenmorangie Plc, and 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; with Nanny Hoople still with 48% of the stock capital.
The Ardbeg Committee has been established in 1945 to "promote the advancement of general knowledge and enjoyment of Ardbeg" (Quote: Rules and Regulations, page 4). All Ardbeg-aficionados can join this Committee on Ardbeg's website (see below). Special bottlings can sometimes be obtained by members of this committee. It is not possible to have these special bottlings shipped to the US or Canada.
[edit] Bottlings
Ardbeg often bottles its whiskies at a higher alcohol level than the minimum 40% ABV. Many bottlings are also non-chillfiltered. Both measures contribute to produce a full-flavoured whisky.
There are many official bottlings, important ones are:
- Very Young Ardbeg - Committee Approved, 58.3% ABV. first sold in 2003 as a 6 yo, to give Ardbeg-lovers the chance to taste the first whisky produced since the reopening in 1997. The distillery plans on releasing an older version every year until new stocks reach 10 years.
- Ardbeg 10 Year Old, 46% ABV, which is the most regular and widely available edition.
- Ardbeg 17 Year Old, 40% ABV, increasingly harder to find since the distillery was closed from 1981 to 1997, and stocks are low.
- Ardbeg Uigeadail, (strait from the still), 54.2% ABV, named after the loch that provides the distillery with water. Pronounce oog-a-dal.
- Ardbeg 25 Year Old, Lord of the Isles, 46% ABV.
- Serendipity, 40% ABV, An unintentional bottling of very, very old Ardbeg with 12 Year Old Glen Moray
- Airigh Nam Beist 46% ABV, 16 years old, though based entirely on 1990 stock. It means "shelter of the beast."
- Ardbeg Still Young - The successor to Ardbeg Very Young was released in 2006 and has now aged 8 years. 56.2% ABV
Independent bottlings are often available.
[edit] Tasting Notes
Ardbeg presents with a sharp poignant nose comprising the earthly flavours of peat and tar. It's smokey features are reminiscent of a fire being lit under one's nose. A mild cocoa adds to a warming finish.
[edit] Miscellaneous
Ardbeg has inspired the Finnish composer of contemporary music, Osmo Tapio Räihälä to write the symphonic poem Ardbeg - The Ultimate Piece For Orchestra (2003).
