ARDBEG - Alligator - Rare Limited Edition - 51.2%
Ardbeg is an iconic distillery located on the island of Islay, in Scotland, renowned worldwide for its intensely peated whiskies. Founded in 1798, Ardbeg is one of the oldest distilleries on this legendary island, famous for producing powerful and atypical Single Malts. Its reputation is notably built on a tradition of innovation, as evidenced by its unique feat: Ardbeg was the first distillery to send whisky into space in 2011, aging part of its production aboard the International Space Station to study the impact of weightlessness on flavors.
Since its first release in 1815, the same year as its prestigious neighbor Laphroaig, Ardbeg has experienced success, decline, and revival. After several ownership changes and a long period of inactivity culminating in its closure in 1981, the distillery gradually revived: activity resumed timidly in 1989, then fully in 1997 under Glenmorangie's leadership, before joining the portfolio of the international luxury group LVMH. Ardbeg's identity is based on an annual production limited to one million liters of alcohol, exclusively released as Single Malt versions, offering a unique tasting experience centered on power and complexity.
Ardbeg whiskies are mainly matured in American Bourbon casks with a smaller proportion of Sherry casks, which gives these spirits a subtle balance between intensely peated smoky notes, spicy hints, and sweet softness, without adopting the more pronounced maritime character of other Islay distilleries.
Alligator is a particularly rare limited edition named after its specific cask treatment method called "Charred Alligator". This technical term, originating from Bourbon and Scotch distilleries, refers to the process of internally charring new oak casks before filling them with whisky, giving the burnt wood a rough, cracked appearance resembling alligator skin. This whisky is a refined blend of two distinct batches: the first aged in new American oak casks charred using the "alligator" technique, and the second matured in previously used bourbon casks, adding aromatic richness and depth.
Peated (+ 50-55 ppm phenols)
