ARDBEG - AN OA - 46.6% ABV
Ardbeg is an iconic distillery located on the island of Islay, in the heart of Scotland, renowned for its exceptional and powerfully peated whiskies. Recognized as one of the oldest distilleries on Islay, Ardbeg has a rich and fascinating history, notably for being the first distillery to send its whisky into space, a feat achieved in 2011 at the International Space Station to study the effects of weightlessness on aging and aromas.
Since its beginnings in 1798, Ardbeg has produced a unique whisky that was first marketed in 1815, the same year as its prestigious neighbor Laphroaig. This distillery immediately won over enthusiasts with its whisky that is both powerful and complex. After a difficult period marked by several ownership changes and a closure in 1981, it was revived in 1989 on a limited scale, then fully resumed operations in 1997 after being acquired by Glenmorangie. Today, Ardbeg is part of the prestigious French luxury group LVMH via the Glenmorangie group, further enhancing its international reputation.
Ardbeg's traditional pot stills produce about one million liters of pure alcohol annually, exclusively dedicated to Single Malt production. This whisky is mainly aged in American Bourbon barrels with a more moderate proportion of Spanish Sherry casks, adding richness and complexity. Ardbeg is famous for its intense and peaty profile but stands out for its balance between powerful smoky notes, subtle spices, and a characteristic sweetness that differentiates it from other maritime Islay whiskies.
An Oa takes its name from the Mull of Oa, a spectacular rocky peninsula located southwest of Islay. This location offers natural protection to the coastal distillery at Kildaton against the assaults of the Atlantic Ocean. Designed to reveal a softer and more accessible side of Ardbeg while retaining the brand's distinctive smoky essence, this expression was launched in summer 2017 and represents the first major new release in the core range in over ten years. Its maturation is based on a unique cask blend – notably Pedro Ximénez casks, toasted new oak casks, and ex-Bourbon casks – all gathered in the new finishing tool called the "Gathering Vat", developed by master distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden.
Peated (50-55 ppm)
