For over 200 years, Ardbeg has been made on the small, remote Scottish Isle of Islay. Some people travel to Ardbeg along the winding road from Port Ellen. Others follow their nose, their destiny or the advice of a good friend.
What is the history of Ardbeg?
Ardbeg History. By the end of the 19th century, Ardbeg had become a valued fixture on Islay’s southern coast. Founded in 1815 by the McDougall family, the site had grown into a small community with housing, a hall, greenhouses, a bowling green and a school for 100 pupils.
What happened to Ardbeg an OA?
The range has been bolstered in recent years by the addition of core expressions Ardbeg An Oa (NAS) in 2017 and Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old two years later. In February 2018, plans were unveiled to double Ardbeg’s production capacity with the addition of another pair of stills, to be housed with the existing two in a new still house.
What happened to Ardbeg’s peated whisky?
A rise in demand for peated whisky saw production increase in the 1960s and 1970s, with demand necessitating that the distillery bring in peated malt from Port Ellen from 1974. For aficionados, the end of Ardbeg’s self-sufficiency was the end of an era – and a style.
Who was the first owner of Ardbeg?
Timeline 1815 Ardbeg is founded by John McDougall 1838 The distillery is sold to Glasgow merchant Thomas Buchanan for £1,000, although McDougall’s son, Alexander, continues managing the operation 1853 Alexander McDougall dies, leaving the distillery to be run by his sisters, Margaret and Flora
What happened to the Ardbeg kiln?
For aficionados, the end of Ardbeg’s self-sufficiency was the end of an era – and a style. Seven years later, Ardbeg’s kiln was finally extinguished. Hiram Walker took full control in 1979, buying out DCL’s 50% share for £300,000, and everyone else’s holdings at the same time.
