ARDBEG - Kildalton 2014 - 46%
Ardbeg is an iconic distillery located on the island of Islay, in Scotland, renowned for its whiskies among the most peated and characterful. Founded in 1798, Ardbeg is one of the oldest distilleries on the island, globally recognized for the exceptional quality and originality of its single malts. It notably distinguished itself in 2011 by becoming the first distillery to experiment with whisky aging in space, sending part of its production to the International Space Station to study the impact of weightlessness on aromas and maturation.
Its commercialization began as early as 1815, the same year as its famous neighbor Laphroaig. Ardbeg met immediate success thanks to strong demand for its spirits particularly suited for blends, before going through a tumultuous period marked by several ownership changes and successive bankruptcies. The distillery closed its doors in 1981, reopening in 1989 with reduced activity to only two months per year. Its complete revival occurred in 1997 after being purchased by Glenmorangie, allowing full-scale production to resume. Today, Ardbeg is part of the prestigious French luxury group LVMH within its Glenmorangie group.
Ardbeg's two traditional stills produce about one million liters of alcohol each year, marketed exclusively as Single Malt. Aging is mainly done in Bourbon casks, with a smaller proportion in Sherry casks, giving the whisky a subtle balance between powerful smoke and sweet roundness. Known for its heavily peated profile, Ardbeg stands out from other Islay whiskies by its slightly spicy smoky character and sweetness on the finish, without adopting the more pronounced maritime notes of its neighbors.
Kildalton is a limited edition launched in 2014, appreciated by connoisseurs for its aromatic complexity and remarkable balance. This single malt was patiently aged in Bourbon and Sherry casks, combining first-fill and refill casks, which gives it a unique richness and depth on the palate.
Peated (50-55 ppm)
