The Ardbeg`s Eureka deep dive. A story of love, resilience and peat.

Introduction

Few distilleries can boast such a tumultuous yet exciting history as Ardbeg. It’s a tale of reaching the highest peaks and hitting the lowest valleys, all while being fiercely supported by the most dedicated fanbase in the Scotch whisky world. There is so much to tell about this unique distillery and the reasons behind its iconic status that it’s impossible to cover everything in just one article. But let’s take a journey through its fascinating and storied past.

In 1887, Alfred Barnard, in his book The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom, wrote:

Remarkably, I find that standing in front of the distillery 138 years later still evokes the same emotions. The cold, briny air of Islay carries a profound sense of place, a feeling of being in an extraordinary corner of the world where human presence seems like a privilege granted by nature itself.

This sense of nature’s dominance needs to be understood in context, forcing us to think about Islay as it was, not as it is. Bear with me as we dive deep into Ardbeg’s history.

A Deep Dive into Ardbeg’s History

Ardbeg’s official history begins in 1815, but its real origins date back much further, to the era of illicit distillation, where it all began. The first excise duty on whisky was introduced in 1644 during the English Civil War to generate revenue, inadvertently leading to a boom in illicit distilling. To put things into context, the first excise officer was appointed on Islay in 1794—150 years later. Illicit distillation was the norm, and for over a century and a half, Islay’s rugged, remote location provided the perfect cover.

The 1823 Excise Act halved the excise duty and incentivized many illicit distillers to go legal. This led to a period of growth for Islay distilleries. However, the journey was far from smooth. The 1840s saw Lowland distilleries gain an advantage due to cheaper fuel and better logistics, leaving distilleries on Islay, including Ardbeg, to struggle through a long crisis.

At that time, Scotch whisky was typically consumed as “new make” (unaged whisky, straight from the still), suffering from poor consistency and often inferior quality. However, two key legislative changes would soon change the trajectory of Scotch whisky history:

The Mackenzie Act of 1853 allowed malt whiskies to be blended while still under bond, and the 1860 Spirits Act by William Gladstone allowed the first legal blending of malt and grain whisky. These changes led to greater consistency and variety in Scotch whisky, helping to drive its popularity.

However, just as the whisky industry reached its apex, the winds began to shift. By the late 19th century, Islay malts fell out of favor as blenders started gravitating toward the floral, lighter profiles of Speyside whiskies. The 20th century brought new challenges.

In 1909, Prime Minister David Lloyd George raised the distillery’s license fee and, being a supporter of the temperance movement, also increased the duty on spirits annually, resulting in decreased consumption and sales.

When World War I began, the whisky industry faced shortages and restrictions. Prohibition in the U.S. followed, further curbing Ardbeg’s ability to export. Throughout the interwar years, economic crises, changes in ownership, and ongoing instability led to the distillery’s workforce shrinking to just three members by 1932.

But it’s always darkest before the dawn, right? In 1933, prohibition ended, sparking a period of optimism. But just as quickly, World War II arrived, bringing more shortages, high taxes, and increased production difficulties. Despite massive reductions in output, Ardbeg managed to stay afloat by supplying whisky for blends by other companies (such as John Haig & Co, Dewar & Sons, William Grant & Sons).

In 1958, Ardbeg Ltd was founded, marking the beginning of more stable years for the distillery. Production and revenues grew steadily, with most of the whisky being used in blends. By 1973, Ardbeg had begun sourcing some of its malted barley from other suppliers to meet growing demand. In 1977, Hiram Walker acquired full control of Ardbeg, although the distillery closed again in 1981 due to ongoing struggles.

Ardbeg remained closed from 1981 to 1989, at risk of becoming another casualty in the volatile Scotch whisky market. But in 1989, Allied Distillers Ltd purchased Ardbeg, and in 1997, Glenmorangie plc acquired the distillery. Under Glenmorangie, Ardbeg began its resurgence, with Dr. Bill Lumsden and Stuart and Jackie Thomson becoming key figures in restoring its legacy. A series of legendary releases followed, along with the opening of a new visitor center.

In 2004, LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) purchased Glenmorangie plc, and Ardbeg became part of the luxury group’s portfolio. The distillery entered its most successful chapter, overseen by Mickey Heads, a local and a highly regarded figure in the whisky industry.

The Ardbeg Committee

In 2000, the Ardbeg Committee was established, a passionate group of whisky enthusiasts dedicated to supporting the distillery. The Committee’s mission was clear:

The Ardbeg committee clearly states a purpose and goals.

The Committee is not just a group of fans but a vital part of Ardbeg’s success, helping ensure that the doors of the distillery would never close again. This community has grown significantly over the years, playing an instrumental role in spreading the love for Ardbeg worldwide.

The Perceived Crisis within the Whisky boom

Despite the distillery’s rise to prominence, Ardbeg has faced some recent challenges. The past few years saw a rift develop between the distillery and its most loyal supporters. Fans began to feel that the distillery had started losing the right way with few underwhelming special releases and a steep price increase, focusing on what was perceived as a younger distillate at high volumes. Recent releases such as Ardcore, Heavy Vapours, and Spectacular were met with some disappointment, leaving many Ardbeg fans questioning whether the distillery was still committed to honoring the essence of its distillate and the deep connection with its loyal fan base that has long been at the heart of its success.

The Eureka

In 2025, the Ardbeg Committee will celebrate its 25th anniversary, and the distillery, together with the Scotch whisky industry, faces the struggles of a volatile market. During Ardbeg Day 2023, 100 selected Committee members from 15 countries took part in “Operation Smokescreen,” tasting and discussing five different samples. This resulted in the creation of Ardbeg Eureka Committee Release, a whisky that embodies the preferences of the Committee.

The Eureka moment represents a realization that the key to Ardbeg’s future success lies within the community of passionate fans. In a sense, the Committee mirrors Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, where the hero discovers that the strength to overcome challenges has always been inside them, in the form of their inner circle of supporters.

Tasting Notes – Ardbeg Eureka Committee Release

Bottled at 52.2% ABV, this “Committee Only” release is a marriage of PX sherry casks and roasted malt spirit matured in bourbon casks.

• Nose: Ardbeg’s signature profile shines through—rich, dark, with caramelly and fudgy notes, butterscotch, raisins, and the unmistakable sea breeze and peaty bonfire.
• Palate: The PX sherry adds depth without overpowering the distillate. There are chestnuts, sea water, and a lemon vanilla tart, followed by a fresher, fruitier side with plums, moss, and cold ash.
• Finish: A long and sticky finish, with a lovely marriage of fruits, sea, smoke, and caramel. The flavors linger, and a slight spice emerges toward the end.

Future Trajectory

As a member of the Committee, I stand alongside 180,000 Ardbeg lovers worldwide, not just as spectators, but as active participants in the future of a distillery we feel as ours. The distillate is there, the fan base is strong, and the Committee’s success will depend on its ability to listen, adapt, innovate, and—most importantly—remain authentic.

Long live the Committee. Long live Ardbeg.