Discover the Magical Taste of Ardbeg Whisky Distillery!
Visiting the Ardbeg Distillery, Islay
Are you a whisky lover? Then you have almost certainly heard of Ardbeg distillery! Ardbeg is a legendary whisky distillery located on the remote Scottish Island of Islay. It has been producing some of the finest and most sought-after single malt whiskies since the early 19th century and is owned by luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. In this blog article, we will explore the unique history, the tour of the distillery, the whisky range, the performance of the bottles at auction and the award-winning taste of Ardbeg. So come along and discover the magical taste of Ardbeg whisky!
Introduction to Ardbeg and its history
Ardbeg distillery is a small and remote whisky distillery located on the Isle of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland. The distillery was founded in 1815 by John Macdougall and quickly gained acclaim for its smoky and flavorful whisky.
Over the years, Ardbeg has become a household name in whisky-making and is now regarded as one of the most renowned and respected distilleries in the world. It is also the oldest operating distillery on the Isle of Islay. The distillery has earned numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the prestigious title of ‘Distillery of the Year’ in 1998.
Ardbeg's Distillery Tour
If you are looking to experience the unique Ardbeg whisky-making process, then what could be better than taking a trip to Islay and joining the Ardbeg Distillery tour? The tour will take you through the entire whisky-making process, from the distilling to the maturation and bottling of the whisky. You will get to explore the distillery’s warehouses and learn about the history of the distillery from the incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff.
At the end of the tour, you will get to sample some of the distillery’s award-winning whiskies. You can also get to take home a bottle of Ardbeg whisky as a souvenir from the popular on-site shop or even enjoy a nice plate of soup from the Cafe. The tour is available for a nominal fee and is a great way to learn more about the whisky-making process.
Ardbeg Double Barrel - Limited Edition, Sold in July 2018 for £15,600
Ardbeg's Whisky Range
Ardbeg produces a wide range of award-winning whiskies. The most popular whiskies in their range include the Ardbeg 10 Year Old, the Ardbeg Uigeadail, the Ardbeg Corryvreckan, and the Ardbeg An Oa. Each whisky is unique and has a distinct flavour profile. The 10 Year Old is a smoky, peaty whisky with notes of honey and spices, while the Uigeadail is a rich and intense whisky with smoky and sweet notes. The Corryvreckan is a spicy and smoky whisky with notes of dark chocolate and coffee, while the An Oa is a smooth, sweet whisky with notes of honey and fruit.
The Taste of Ardbeg
Ardbeg whiskies are renowned for their smoky, peaty flavour. The whisky is made using locally sourced peat, giving it a unique taste and aroma.
The Ardbeg whisky range is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. It can also be used as an ideal base for (gasp!) cocktails and mixes well with other spirits. Whisky lovers can also enjoy Ardbeg whisky with food pairings, such as smoked salmon, dark chocolate, and blue cheese.
The closure and re-opening of Ardbeg distillery
Ardbeg distillery was closed in 1981 due to a fall in demand, sadly resulting in the loss of 18 jobs. However, in 1997, the distillery was reopened by the new owner, Glenmorangie plc. Since then, the distillery has gone from strength to strength and is now one of the most renowned whisky distilleries in the world.
The reopening of the distillery has given new life to the Ardbeg brand. The distillery has gone on to produce some of the finest and most sought-after whiskies in the world. It is also a popular tourist destination and has become a must-visit destination for whisky lovers from all over the world.
Ardbeg's Awards and Accolades
Ardbeg distillery has won numerous awards and accolades over the years. It is the only distillery to have won the prestigious title of ‘Distillery of the Year’ three times by the World Whiskies Awards. Whiskies from Ardbeg have also won other awards, such as the International Spirits Challenge and the International Wine & Spirits Competition.
Ardbeg whiskies have also been recognized in various international whisky competitions. Their whiskies have been awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in competitions such as the International Spirits Challenge, the International Wine & Spirits Competition, and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Ardbeg's Popular 10 Year Old Whisky - An accessible whisky with great reviews
Food Pairings with Ardbeg Whisky
Ardbeg whiskies are perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. They can also be enjoyed with food pairings, such as smoked salmon, dark chocolate, and blue cheese. The smoky, peaty flavour of Ardbeg whisky pairs perfectly with these dishes and brings out the flavours of the food.
Ardbeg also makes for a great whisky for cocktails. Its smoky and peaty notes make it an ideal base for whisky cocktails, such as the classic Old Fashioned or the smoky Rob Roy. Ardbeg can also be used to make a variety of other cocktails, such as the Smoky Margarita, the Ardbeg Sour, or the Ardbeg Mule.
Ardbeg Distillery at Online Auctions
Ardbeg distillery is a really popular choice at online whisky auctions. Whisky lovers can bid on rare and vintage Ardbeg whiskies at a variety of online auctions (Including our own!). Ardbeg whiskies are highly sought-after and can fetch a high price at auctions, especially older examples.
If you’re looking to get your hands on a rare Ardbeg whisky, then you should definitely check out the online auctions (you can register here). You’ll find a variety of whiskies from the Ardbeg distillery, including rare and vintage bottles. You can also find special edition bottles, such as the Ardbeg Committee Edition bottles (often labelled "For Discussion") and bottles like the Ardbeg Corryvreckan, Arrrrrrrrdbeg, Wee Beastie, 30 Year Old as well as single cask offerings, which are extremely sought after and collectable.
Ardbeg Galileo 1999 - A popular choice for collectors
Conclusion
Ardbeg distillery is a legendary whisky distillery located on the Isle of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland. The distillery has been producing some of the finest and most sought-after whiskies since the early 19th century. Ardbeg whiskies are renowned for their smoky, peaty flavour and have won numerous awards and accolades over the years.
If you are a whisky lover, then you should really consider visiting Islay and taking in the distillery tour. You can also sample some of the distillery’s award-winning whiskies and take home a bottle of Ardbeg whisky as a souvenir. If you can’t make it to Islay, we will bring it to you! Register with the auction and bid on all the latest offerings from this incredibly special distillery!