Ardbeg is a distillery located on the Isle of Islay, Scotland. It is one of the oldest distilleries on the island and its whiskies have a reputation for being among the peatiest. Ardbeg was the first whisky to travel into space: the distillery was the first to experiment with extra-terrestrial aging when it sent part of its production to the International Space Station in 2011 to examine the effects of zero-gravity on flavours.
The whisky has been produced on site since 1798, and was first commercialised in 1815, the same year as its close neighbour Laphroaig. Ardbeg experienced immediate success, with strong demand for its spirit for use in blends, but from 1838 the distillery entered a prolonged phase of ownership changes and bankruptcies, until it was finally closed in 1981. It reopened in 1989, but was only operational for two months a year. Finally, in 1997, it was bought by Glenmorangie and production resumed full time. The distillery is still owned by the French luxury group LVMH, within its Glenmorangie group.
Ardbeg's two stills produce one million litres of alcohol annually, which is only available as Single Malt. The whisky is matured mainly in Bourbon barrels, with a small portion aged in Sherry Casks. It is heavily peated, but does not have the same marine character as many Islay whiskies; Ardbeg is known for its smoky, spicy and sweet character.
