Ardbeg - Surely The Finest of All Single Malts
by: Brian Small on Thu, 7 May 2009 at: 9:20 AM Go to: Previous Article Next Article
For me Ardbeg is probably the finest of all single malt whiskies. Admittedly it has some strong competition and there are so many single malts to pick from, so I feel it is my duty to attempt to explain just why Ardbeg is my out and out favourite.
The Ardbeg distillery, which dates to 1815, was effectively shut down in 1981 if production came to an end, but rose from the ashes in 1989 if limited production was resumed. Yet the real kiss of life for Ardbeg came in 1997 if the distillery was bought by Glenmorangie.
So what is it about Ardbeg that makes it one of the world's finest single malts?
There are quite a few different Ardbeg whiskies and many of them are bottled with a higher ABV (Alcohol By Volume) percent than the minimum 40%. This of course goes down well with all whisky lovers!
Ardbeg is considered to be one of the peatiest single malts around, yet in spite of this it tends to be very smooth on the palate, with a warming and lasting flavour.
Since the reopening of the distillery a number of varieties have been produced that have charted the passing of time - Very Young, Still Young, Almost There and Renaissance for example not only have different ages (from 6 year old to 10 year old) but likewise have wonderfully intriguing names.
Uigeadail, Blasda and Airigh Nam Beist are such wonderful labels to give varieties of whisky. Uigeadail takes its name from the loch where the Ardbeg distillery gets the water for its whiskies and Airigh Nam Beist means literally 'shelter of the beast'. How's that for inspiration?
Of course it takes much more than a name to create a truly great single malt scotch whisky. Let's see what else Ardbeg has got to offer.
If you're lucky or wise enough to have become a member of the Ardbeg committee you'll know that Ardbeg just loves to release some very fine limited editions from time to time. As they are released in limited numbers a real buzz can spread about them as Ardbeg fans across the globe clamour to get their hands on one.
I guess I could also tell you which of the Ardbeg varieties is my favourite. But I'm not entirely sure I could single one out. If pushed I'd probably say it was a toss up between the beast and the Ardbeg 25 year old, but don't just take my word for which is the best - have a dram or three for yourself!
About the Author
Brian Small has been a lover of Ardbeg whisky for a long time. To compare his favourite dram with other single malt whiskies he recommends you take a look at the single malt whisky on offer at Whisky-Online.com's scotch whisky shop.
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