Est. 1815 • Port Ellen, Islay, Scotland
Ardbeg
"The Ultimate Islay Malt"
About Ardbeg
Ardbeg is revered by whisky lovers worldwide for producing the smokiest, peatiest single malt on Islay. Despite its intensity, Ardbeg is renowned for its remarkable balance of power and finesse, with sweet, spicy notes complementing the bold peat smoke.
1815
Founded
200+ yrs
Heritage
Islay
Region
~55 ppm
Peat Level
Discover Ardbeg
The ultimate Islay experience
Ardbeg's legendary warehouses by the sea
The dramatic Islay coastline near Ardbeg
Ardbeg's distinctive copper pot stills
The iconic Ardbeg waterfront
The Craft
What makes Ardbeg unmistakably bold
Water Source
Loch Uigeadail
Ancient waters flowing through peat beds, adding distinctive mineral character
Islay Peat
~55 ppm phenols
Hand-cut Islay peat for intensely smoky character
Bold, smoky, with citrus and chocolate notes
Copper Stills
1 wash, 1 spirit
Tall stills with unique purifiers for complexity
What Makes Ardbeg Special
One of the most heavily peated whiskies in the world
Innovative limited editions and experimental casks
Famous for remarkable balance despite intense peat
Getting There
Plan your journey to the Isle of Islay
By Air
Islay Airport (ILY)
8 minutes by car
Daily flights from Glasgow
By Ferry
Kennacraig to Port Ellen or Port Askaig
~2 hours crossing
CalMac Ferries
From Glasgow
3 hours to Kennacraig, then ferry
Approximately 5-6 hours total journey
Travel Tips
- •Book ferry in advance, especially in summer
- •Consider staying on Islay to visit multiple distilleries
- •The Old Kiln Cafe serves excellent food
The Collection
Explore the full range of Ardbeg single malts
Plan Your Visit
Experience the bold spirit of Ardbeg with a distillery tour
From £22.50
Classic Ardbeg Tour
75 min
From £40
Limited Edition Upgrade
75 min
From £80
Weekend Wanderer
90 min
Advance booking recommended
Nearby Distilleries
Explore more of Islay's legendary whisky trail
💡 Tip: Consider a multi-distillery tour - all three are within easy driving distance!
A Legacy of Innovation
Over two centuries of bold whisky-making
Ardbeg founded by John MacDougall on Islay's south-eastern coast
Ardbeg founded by John MacDougall on Islay's south-eastern coast
Distillery expanded under Thomas Buchanan's ownership
Distillery expanded under Thomas Buchanan's ownership
Distillery closes during difficult years for Scotch whisky
Distillery closes during difficult years for Scotch whisky
Glenmorangie plc acquires and revives the distillery
Glenmorangie plc acquires and revives the distillery
Ardbeg 10 Year Old named World Whisky of the Year
Ardbeg 10 Year Old named World Whisky of the Year
Ardbeg Heavy Vapours released - most phenolic expression ever
Ardbeg Heavy Vapours released - most phenolic expression ever
Begin Your Ardbeg Journey
Add Ardbeg bottles to your cabinet, track your tasting notes, and discover the ultimate Islay experience.