Nestled in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides sits the Queen. She’s a 239-square mile stretch of whisky drinkers’ nirvana, also known as the Island of Islay. Her peat filled soil and grassy covered rock outcroppings have been home to several whisky distilleries for centuries. One of them is the Ardbeg. It sits due east of the Gaelic isle’s major port, Ellen, in the diminutive town of Argyll. People have been ordering drams of its finest whiskies on and off since 1815.
The Ardbeg Distillery's early years were happy ones but several changes in ownership, a drop in production and two closures eventually caused whisky drinkers some concern. It didn’t last long though. By 1997, the Ardbeg’s master craftsmen were back at work creating some of the most amazing single malt whiskies in all of Scotland. So much so that in 1998, their renewed fervor helped earned them the prestigious title of Distillery of the Year. And it’s been all smooth sipping since then.
In the years that followed, Ardbeg Distillery continued to release phenomenal whiskies and win multiple awards, including World Whisky of the Year more than once. Today, it has five whiskies that are favored among the drinking population. They are the Ardbeg Supernova, Uigeadail, Blasda, Corryvreckan and 10 Years Old. Both the Supernova and Uigeadail are award winners. However, the later has more public accolades to its credit and with good reason.
Classified as a strong, aromatic, chill-filtered whisky, it’s long on flavor and has a decidedly short list of critics. As one raises a Glencairn glass full of the fine whisky, a smoky aroma fills the nose followed by the hint of spices, nuts, leather and pine. The smoky scent is actually a harbinger of the whisky’s taste and long finish, which is one of peaty sweetness, raisins and spice. The Supernova, by comparison, has even more unmistakable peat aroma and flavoring. It also boasts hints of chocolate, peppers, chili and lime with an equally as long finish that’s sure to please the palate.
To learn more about the Ardbeg Distillery and sample its award winning whiskies first hand, join us on our Whisky Tour of Scotland.
