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Elite single malt whiskey “Ardbeg” with a bright smoky character belongs to a small but prestigious group of Scottish island scotches.
A unique drink has been produced at the factory of the same name, located off the southern coast of Islay, for more than 200 years.
The brand’s products have repeatedly received the titles of “World Whiskey of the Year” and “World’s Best Single Malt”.
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History of whiskey Ardbeg
Ardbeg distillery was founded in 1815 by entrepreneur John MacDougal. It is known that before the advent of legal production, an underground whiskey distillery functioned at the same place, which was closed by the tax authorities.
In 1838, the company was bought by the liquor merchant Thomas Bukinan, who came to the island from Glasgow. Nevertheless, the leadership remained in the hands of the MacDougal family: the son of the founder, Alexander, began to follow the work of the distillery.
In 1853, the plant again had to change owners. After the death of Alexander, his sisters and manager Colin Hay became the owners of the enterprise. By the end of the 1th century, the distillery had become the most productive island distillery, overcoming the annual milestone of XNUMX million liters.
The Ardbeg trademark, along with the original letter “A” that adorned the label, was registered a little later – in 1911.
In the second half of the 1997th century, the company was resold several times and closed twice. Full-fledged production was restored only in XNUMX after the transfer of the brand to the ownership of the Glenmorangie Company.
In 1998 Ardbeg received the title of distillery of the year. In subsequent years, the company actively increased its capacity, underwent reconstruction and mastered the production of new drinks. The result was worldwide recognition, expressed in the acquisition of several prestigious awards and titles of “Whiskey of the Year”.
Features of the production of Ardbeg whiskey
The secret of the perfect memorable taste lies in the proprietary “formula”, consisting of 4 components:
Use of selected ingredients
This excellent smokey phenolic malt is sourced from the village of Port Ellen and ground in its own mill, which has been in operation since 1921.
Pure soft water is extracted from a local source – Lake Uigeadail.
The mystical reservoir inspired producers to create a separate variety “Ardbeg Uigeadail”, in 2009, received the title of “whiskey of the year” by Jim Murray.
Application of unique technology
To maximize the extraction of sugars, water is added to the mash three times, each time heated to a different temperature.
At the fermentation stage, the wort is placed in Oregon pine vessels, where it is kept longer than in other distilleries.
In the process of double distillation, I use a special system for the selection and purification of spirits, which provides the drinks with a balance and complexity of the bouquet without a clear predominance of peaty notes.
Exposure is carried out in different types of barrels: American, Spanish, French, old, new, charred.
The passion of employees for their work, bordering on obsession!
Many processes in the distillery are still carried out by hand in the traditional way.
Special island spirit
Bringing the process of making adhesive tape closer to magical art.
Since the plant is located near the sea, during maturation, whiskey acquires a specific iodine-salty flavor.
Fertile soils with layers of peat give drinks a characteristic aroma, by which connoisseurs unmistakably recognize Islay scotch among many others.
Overview of whiskey Ardbeg
During its existence, the distillery has produced several dozen exclusive drinks, rare copies of which are still kept in the collections of connoisseurs.
The modern Ardbeg line, available for purchase, includes 5 great expensive tapes:
Ardbeg Ten Years Old
Winner of the title “World Whiskey of the Year” in 2008.
Known as the most smoky and complex single malt scotch. In addition to peaty tones, the natural sweetness of malt is clearly felt in the drink. It is unique in that no dyes are added to it and it does not go through cold filtration.
The aroma contains notes of fruits, chocolate, menthol, spices, smoked meats, sea salt, beeswax, pine needles, nuts, toffee.
On the palate, hints of peat, cinnamon and citrus combine with accents of black pepper, currants, coffee, bananas, fir and licorice.
The long aftertaste surprises with smoky-resinous, coffee, barley tones with a trail of anise, roasted almonds and fresh pear.
Fortress: 46%. Colour: soft gold.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan (57.1%)
A powerful high-strength scotch that takes its name from a dangerous whirlpool and was voted the best whiskey in 2010.
Color: deep copper. Nose: intense, heady, with burning accents of resin, creosote, linseed oil, alternating with hints of dark chocolate, blackcurrant, ripe cherries and pine needles.
A little later, salty notes of seaweed, sweet vanilla, spicy and menthol tones appear.
The taste is dominated by shades of pepper, coffee, dark berries, bitter almonds, anise and violets.
Finish: long, deep, fruity-chocolate.
Ardbeg Uigeadail (54.2%)
Strong and at the same time silky whiskey of deep golden color, which embodies the spirit of the mysterious lake.
The rich aroma is dominated by intoxicating peaty-marine and Christmas shades: walnut butter, pine needles, chocolate cake, Parma violets, molasses, raisins, bananas, embers, currant blossom, leather and coffee.
Perfectly balanced taste combines spicy, smoky, sweet accents and ends with a lingering finish of raisin, coffee and smoked notes.
Ardbeg An Oa
One of the latest developments of the brand is a harmonious golden-colored scotch that combines spirits from different types of barrels.
Nose: smoky, round, with hints of wood, banana, toffee, dates, fennel, anise, molasses, pine resin, seaweed, wax and herbs.
Palate: smooth, sweet, creamy, with notes of chocolate, orange, tea leaves, roasted artichokes, spicy spices, nuts, flowers, mints, malt and biscuits.
Finish: slow, seductive, delicate yet intense, with hints of anise and subtle smoke.
Ardbeg Drum Committee Release
A special drink of dark golden color, 52% ABV, dedicated to ancient local festivals, aged in bourbon and rum barrels.
The aroma contains tones of smoked apples and pineapples, hints of ripe bananas, pine resin, wood smoke, cocoa, cinnamon, ginger, dates and lavender.
The taste combines accents of pepper, peat, butter, creosote, dark chocolate, vanilla, licorice and cloves.
Finish: intensely smoky with notes of coffee liqueur and spicy spices.
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Relevance: 23.04.2019
Tags: Whiskey and bourbon, Whiskey brands