Est. 1815 • Port Ellen, Islay, Scotland
Ardbeg
"The Peatiest, Smokiest Malt on Islay"
Ardbeg is the intensely peated single malt from the south coast of Islay. It is prized for its bold, smoky character, yet the smoke is carried by sweetness, citrus and a coastal salinity that keeps it in balance. Founded in 1815 and revived in 1997, Ardbeg has become one of the most sought after names in peated Scotch.
1815
Founded
Islay
Region
Peated
House Style
1997
Revived
The Ardbeg House Style
Bold Islay smoke, held in balance
Ardbeg sits on the south coast of Islay, a short drive from Lagavulin and Laphroaig. The malt is heavily peated, so smoke leads on the nose and the palate, with notes of tar, brine and wood embers. What sets Ardbeg apart is the balance. Underneath the smoke there is lemon, vanilla and a clean sweetness that stops the peat from turning heavy.
If you are new to peated Scotch, start with Ardbeg Ten and work up. If you already drink Islay malts, the sherried Uigeadail and the cask strength Corryvreckan reward a closer look. To understand where the smoke comes from, read our guide on what makes Islay whisky so smoky, or explore the Ardbeg distillery itself.
The Core Range Explained
How the main Ardbeg expressions differ
The benchmark
Ardbeg Ten
The signature ten year old. Deep peat smoke meets lemon, vanilla and a briny, tarry edge. The one to meet Ardbeg with first.
Young and fierce
Ardbeg Wee Beastie
A five year old built for intensity. Raw smoke, black pepper and a rush of youthful energy. A lively pour for cocktails and highballs.
The rounded one
Ardbeg An Oa
Married in a bespoke gathering vat, softer and sweeter than the Ten, with chocolate, aniseed and a smooth, creamy smoke.
Sherry and smoke
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Married with ex-sherry casks for a richer, darker profile. Raisins, treacle and dense peat, named after the loch that feeds the distillery.
The powerful one
Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Part matured in French oak and bottled at cask strength. A wild swell of peat, dark berries and pepper, named after the famous whirlpool.
The Collection
Explore the full range of Ardbeg single malts
Cocktail Recipes
Ways to enjoy a smoky Islay malt
Late May · Annual Event
Ardbeg Day 2026
Once a year, Ardbeg fans across the world unite for the peatiest day in the whisky calendar, with a coveted limited edition release. Read our guide on when it falls, the release and what to expect.
Read the full guideStart Your Ardbeg Journey
Add Ardbeg bottles to your cabinet, track your tasting notes, and find the expression that suits you.