Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Ardbeg single malt Scotch whisky is one of Islay’s most iconic names, revered for its intense peat smoke, maritime character, and remarkable balance of flavour. Located on the island’s southern coast, alongside fellow powerhouses Lagavulin and Laphroaig, Ardbeg has been producing whisky since 1815 and has built a global reputation for crafting some of the most robust and complex peated malts in Scotland.

Ardbeg’s history is one of resilience. Founded by John Macdougall, the distillery prospered in the 19th century but, like many Islay producers, faced hardship during the 20th century due to economic downturns, changing tastes, and restrictive regulations. After periods of closure, Ardbeg was acquired by Glenmorangie plc (now part of LVMH) in 1997, marking the start of a modern renaissance. Since then, it has earned countless awards and developed a loyal fan base, the “Ardbeg Committee”, which eagerly anticipates each new release.

The defining feature of Ardbeg is its heavily peated malted barley, typically peated to around 55 parts per million (ppm) phenols, one of the highest levels in the Scotch industry. This peat smoke is integral to Ardbeg’s identity, delivering aromas of tar, iodine, woodsmoke, and sea spray. Yet despite this intensity, Ardbeg is renowned for a surprising sweetness and balance, with citrus, vanilla, and malt notes weaving through the smoke. This complexity is the result of meticulous production choices, from fermentation and distillation to cask selection.

The distillery uses traditional copper pot stills with purifier attachments, which help to refine the spirit and retain delicate fruity and floral notes alongside the peat. Maturation takes place in a variety of cask types, including first-fill and refill ex-bourbon barrels, as well as sherry casks and occasional experimental finishes. The maritime environment, with warehouses situated just yards from the Atlantic, imparts a briny, salty character that complements the peat’s earthiness.

Ardbeg’s core range is beloved for its diversity. Ardbeg 10 Year Old is the flagship bottling, offering a perfect introduction to the distillery’s style: powerful smoke balanced with lemon zest, vanilla, and a long, warming finish. Uigeadail, matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, adds richness and dark fruit depth to the peat, while Corryvreckan brings peppery spice and intensity from French oak maturation. Limited editions and annual releases, such as Ardbeg Day bottlings or the experimental Ardbeg Committee releases, showcase the distillery’s creative spirit and are highly sought after by collectors.

Beyond the glass, Ardbeg has embraced a sense of fun and community engagement. Its annual Ardbeg Day celebrations, part of Islay’s Feis Ile festival, attract fans from across the globe. The distillery visitor centre is a popular pilgrimage site, offering tastings, tours, and a café with views over the sea to the Kintyre Peninsula.

Our Ardbeg selection captures the full range of this legendary distillery — from the classic 10 Year Old to rich, sherried expressions and rare limited releases. Whether you are a seasoned Islay devotee or curious to explore the world of heavily peated whisky, Ardbeg offers a benchmark in smoky, maritime single malts, combining intensity, complexity, and an unmistakable sense of place..