Ardbeg Is One of the Weirdest Scotches You Should Be Drinking Right Now

Ardbeg Is One of the Weirdest Scotches You Should Be Drinking Right Now

Ardbeg's master distiller, Bill Lumsden, proudly declared the brand "attracts weirdos," a sentiment I embraced wholeheartedly during the 14th annual Ardbeg Day festivities in June 2023. Over the past two centuries, Ardbeg has harnessed Islay's native flora, water, and climatic quirks to craft its signature whiskeys. Getting to Islay, especially laden with a banana costume, pirate gear, or steampunk astronaut helmet, isn't easy, yet thousands make the pilgrimage each year, decked out in full costume. In 1981, the distillery faced closure, leaving its whiskey to age in the warehouse until its revival in 1997. Since then, Ardbeg has released limited editions from its legacy stock, including the Rollercoaster collection from 1981 and 1989. Lumsden explained how he planned to commemorate his final sips from these historic stocks with a plan involving jazz and periodic whiffs from the tasting glass – a fitting tribute from a fellow "weirdo."

Ardbeg Scotch 10 Year Old Single Malt

Ardbeg Distillery, renowned for its robust peat flavor, holds a special place in the hearts of peat enthusiasts worldwide. Embracing the Islay tradition, malted barley is dried in kilns fueled by peat logs, imparting a distinctive and intense smokiness to the whisky. Ardbeg's innovative still design, facilitating a two-and-a-half times distillation, yields a sweeter base spirit that harmonizes beautifully with the peat smoke. While the predominant note is the bold smoke, nuances of vegetal elements reminiscent of ferns and woodlands, along with a touch of sea air, add complexity. Ardbeg captures the essence of Islay in a bottle, making it a classic choice for those who appreciate bold and meticulously crafted flavors. Buy it now!

Ardbeg Uigeadail

Indulge in the captivating allure of Ardbeg's Uigeadail, a cask-strength expression that marries the rich flavors from bourbon barrel and sherry butt maturation. This whisky culminates in a sweet and smoky finish, paying homage to the loch of Uigeadail, the water source that courses through all things Ardbeg. In the realm of Ardbeg, peat takes center stage, imparting its distinct and cherished flavor to the whisky. Renowned as the peatiest and smokiest of all Islay malts, Ardbeg manages to balance its robust smokiness with a surprising fruity floral sweetness and intricate complexity. This award-winning whisky, with an impressive 96 points from the Ultimate Beverage Challenge, exhibits toasty, semisweet notes with hints of honey and toffee, creating an elegantly layered and timeless dram. Buy it now!

Ardbeg Corryvreckan

Named after the fearsome whirlpool north of Islay, Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a bold and captivating expression that mirrors the power and complexity of its namesake. This single malt whisky offers swirling aromas and a torrent of deep, peaty, and peppery flavors, creating a beautifully balanced dram that demands courage to explore. Corryvreckan has received accolades, including being awarded The World's Best Single Malt in 2010 and earning the title of World Whisky of the Year in the same year. Non chill-filtered and bottled at 57.1% ABV, it delivers a potent and unapologetic Islay experience. Buy it now!

Ardbeg Wee Beastie

In the realm of Scottish whisky, the moniker 'Wee Beastie' draws a parallel to small but formidable midges, known for their potent bite. Ardbeg's youngest matured whisky, aptly named Wee Beastie, lives up to this description with its robust character. Brimming with intense peat smoke and pronounced notes of bold pepper and spice, this spirited expression is set to carve out its place among Ardbeg's esteemed Peat Monsters, showcasing the distillery's commitment to powerful and impactful whiskies. Buy it now!