ARDBEG - 18 years old - Vintage 2001 - The Story of the Wind & Wave - 54.5%
Ardbeg is an iconic distillery located on the wild isle of Islay, in the west of Scotland. Renowned for producing some of the most peated and intense whiskies in the world, Ardbeg is an institution for lovers of peated Single Malt. The distillery is famous not only for its ancestral know-how but also for pioneering extraterrestrial aging: in 2011, a batch of its whisky was sent to the International Space Station to study the impact of weightlessness on the maturation process.
Established on the site since 1798, Ardbeg marketed its first whisky in 1815, the same year as its prestigious neighbor Laphroaig. From the start, success was rapid, with strong demand for its whiskies used notably in blends. However, from 1838, the distillery went through a long period of turmoil, marked by successive ownership changes and several bankruptcies, leading to its closure in 1981. It reopened in 1989, although limited to a seasonal activity of only two months per year. Finally, in 1997, thanks to the acquisition by Glenmorangie, production resumed at full capacity. Today, Ardbeg is part of the French luxury group LVMH, integrated within the Glenmorangie group.
The two traditional pot stills of Ardbeg produce annually one million liters of pure alcohol, exclusively distributed as exceptional Single Malt. This whisky is mainly aged in American bourbon casks, complemented by partial maturation in oloroso sherry casks, giving the aromas great complexity. Ardbeg's flavor profile is famous for its intense and peaty power, combining abundant smoky notes with spicy accents and subtle sweetness. Unlike some Islay whiskies, Ardbeg stands out for its balance between maritime character and deep aromatic richness.
This exceptional cuvée is offered by The Character of Islay Whisky Company, an independent bottler committed to promoting Islay spirits. It was selected by the passionate team of La Maison du Whisky as part of the French Connections series, highlighting rare and mythical expressions of the island, embodied here by the theme "The Story of the Wind & Wave". Distilled in 2001 at the prestigious Ardbeg distillery, this whisky was carefully aged for 18 years to reveal all its power and island finesse.
Peaty, smoky, complex – a masterpiece of Islay for discerning connoisseurs.
