Scotland, Isle of Islay. Distillery operational. Owner: LVMH - Diageo

Founded in 1815 by McDougall & Co. in the south-east of Islay, near the Kildalton Cross, Ardbeg's malt was for a long time overshadowed by its neighbours and competitors Lagavulin and Laphroaig.It was under the patronage of the McDonald family (Glenmorangie Plc), who bought the distillery in 1997, that it was able to develop its potential and introduce the public to the treasures sleeping in its vaults. Between September and November 1997, no less than three bottlings - two of which would become great classics - were released on the market, the Ardbeg 17 Year Old, Ardbeg 1978 and Ardbeg Provenance 1974. The following decade was rich in single cask, cask strength bottlings matured in sherry and bourbon casks, each more impressive than the next. And it was dressed in a new green bottle with confident Celtic-Gothic aesthetics that Ardbeg flooded the market for fans of malts dominated by aromas of smoke, peat and tiger balm.

Produced at one of the best-known distilleries among whisky fans, this single malt was matured for 30 years. It is undoubtedly one of the smokiest whiskies produced on the famous stormy Scottish island of Islay. It was bottled (in a 70 cl bottle) in 1997 (just 1,000 bottles in total, a very limited volume) at 40% ABV.
It is a charming nectar we offer here, both complex and mellow. The smoky side reveals its origins, with a soft mouthfeel and an almost salty finish.
We recommend pairing this single malt with a typical Scottish dish like haggis (stuffed sheep’’s stomach) or a classic dish like Scottish salmon or Roquefort.