Ardbeg Distillery stands on the rugged southern coast of Islay, not far from Port Ellen. The distillery was officially established in 1815 by John Macdougall, although whisky was probably produced in this remote bay before that date. During the nineteenth century, Ardbeg became one of the island’s largest producers, but a turbulent period followed. Production stopped in 1981. After a brief revival and a second closure, the distillery was rescued in 1997, when The Glenmorangie Company acquired Ardbeg and brought it back to life. Three years later, the Ardbeg Committee was founded to connect whisky enthusiasts around the world.

Ardbeg is renowned for intensely smoky Islay single malt Scotch whisky with remarkable finesse. Its malt is heavily peated, while a purifier attached to the spirit still creates additional reflux. This keeps powerful notes of peat smoke, tar, ash and sea air in balance with citrus, spice, sweetness and fruit. Water from Loch Uigeadail and the distillery’s coastal location add further depth to its distinctive character. This combination of power, complexity and an unconventional identity has made Ardbeg one of the world’s most admired peated whiskies.