| Brand | Ardbeg |
| Region | Scotland |
| Spirits Type | Scotch Whisky |
| Spirits Style | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.8% |
Product details
Situated along the southern coast of the island of Islay, Ardbeg Distillery was founded in 1815 by the MacDougall family. By the end of the 19th century, nearly one-third of the population of the island was employed at the distillery, which became notorious for producing some of the boldest and most robust Scotch whisky in the industry. Today, the distillery remains a testament to Scottish innovation and heritage.
Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made from malted barley, which is peated to approximately 50 phenol parts per million. Once the peated barley arrives at the distillery, it is milled and mashed with water sourced from Loch Uigeadail before being fermented in washbacks made of Oregon pine. While wooden washbacks are more expensive and difficult to maintain as compared to stainless steel washbacks, they absorb a portion of the heat generated during the fermentation process and thus, create a lighter and richer whisky. In addition, the wooden washbacks contribute carbolic compounds to the whisky.
Following fermentation, which lasts for 55 hours, the wash is distilled twice, first through a copper-pot wash still and then again through a copper-pot spirit still. The spirit still is equipped with a purifier, which acts as a small condenser and causes a portion of the evaporating vapors to be pumped back into the pot and then re-distilled. This purification process, which is rare in the industry, results in whisky that has a signature fresh and malty flavor.
Islay has only 3,000 inhabitants and more than 140 committees, the largest of these being the Ardbeg Committee. With over 120,000 global members, the Ardbeg Committee serves the common purpose of celebrating Ardbeg whisky. Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release 2020 celebrates Mickey Heads' 13 years of leadership. The expression is bottled at 103.6 proof and was matured entirely in ex-rye casks. It's brimming with fruity notes.
