ARDBEG - Galileo - Vintage 1999 - 49%
Ardbeg is a famous distillery located on the iconic island of Islay, in Scotland. Recognized as one of the oldest distilleries on the island, Ardbeg has built a worldwide reputation thanks to its whiskies among the most peated and smoky. Innovative and pioneering, the Ardbeg distillery was the first to send its whisky into space: in 2011, as part of a unique experiment, a quantity of spirit was sent to the International Space Station to study the impact of weightlessness on the maturation process and the development of aromas.
Whisky production on this site dates back to 1798, with initial commercialization as early as 1815 – the same year as its prestigious neighbor Laphroaig. Ardbeg quickly met notable success, notably due to strong demand for its whiskies destined for the most renowned blends. However, from 1838 onwards, the distillery went through a tumultuous period marked by multiple ownership changes and several bankruptcies, leading to its definitive closure in 1981. It was reopened in 1989, with production initially limited to only two months per year, before being fully relaunched in 1997 following its acquisition by Glenmorangie. Today, Ardbeg is part of the French luxury group LVMH, under the aegis of the Glenmorangie group, combining traditional know-how and innovation.
The two traditional stills of Ardbeg produce about one million liters of alcohol per year, exclusively in the form of Single Malt. Aging is mainly carried out in Bourbon casks, with a minority portion matured in Sherry casks, conferring richness and complexity to the aromatic profile. This whisky is characterized by a strong peat level (50-55 ppm), but unlike other Islay whiskies, it emits a less maritime character, favoring smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet notes that appeal to discerning enthusiasts.
Ardbeg Galileo is a prestigious limited edition created to celebrate this extraordinary space maturation experience. Distilled in 1999, this exceptional vintage is made from a unique blend of Sicilian ex-Marsala casks harmoniously balanced with first-fill ex-Bourbon casks, offering rare complexity and depth.
Peated (+ 50-55 ppm)
