ARDBEG TWENTY ONE LAUNCHES TO CELEBRATE DISTILLERY’S MOST PERILOUS DAYS
Ardbeg has announced that its latest Limited Edition whisky is a 21 year old single malt, distilled at one of the most turbulent times in Ardbeg’s history. A testament to the dedication of those who fought through the Distillery’s darkest days to keep its untamed spirit alive, Ardbeg Twenty One will be released exclusively to Ardbeg’s loyal following, the Ardbeg Committee, in recognition of their vital role in safeguarding the Distillery’s future.
Ardbeg’s precarious past – and its enduring hold on the future – are celebrated in the rare, Limited Edition Ardbeg Twenty One. This golden expression began life on Ardbeg’s remote Scottish island home in the mid-1990s. Its whitewashed walls were faded and crumbling, and distilling at Ardbeg had dwindled to almost nothing. A small group, including the young Mickey Heads (now our esteemed Distillery Manager), set aside a small number of casks for Ardbeg’s future – including some containing whisky distilled during those perilous days when the Distillery’s future was still uncertain.
Today, Ardbeg’s future is in safe hands: the Ardbeg Committee, formed to prevent the Distillery’s doors ever closing again, is 120,000-strong, with members in more than 130 countries. Mickey Heads, who is the Chairman of the Ardbeg Committee, said: “Ardbeg Twenty One is a shining example of Ardbeg’s enduring spirit. I’m so pleased we can share it with our members. The Committee have invested much in ensuring the future of the Distillery and it’s only right that they should share the rewards of its turbulent past too.”
Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks at Ardbeg, said: “I selected the casks for this sumptuous, golden whisky as they combine the distinctive, peppery smokiness of Ardbeg’s award-winning malt with soothing, buttery qualities. Born from adversity, Ardbeg Twenty One is the perfect dram to celebrate the resilience of Ardbeg and The Ardbeg Committee’s enduring loyalty.”
Ardbeg Twenty One is non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV. It is priced at £310 and goes on sale to committee members on 21st September 2016.
www.ardbeg.com
NOTES:
Tasting Notes:
Ardbeg Twenty One is non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV. This pale gold whisky contains aromas of tarry smoke, Ardbeg ice-cream and black pepper, with herbal top notes. Its peppery, fizzy mouthfeel gives way to tastes of liquorice, charcoal, peppermint and vanilla with a dash of spice, leading to a long, soothing finish of coal tar, aniseed and smoky butter.
Ardbeg:
Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future. Following a long closure period in the 1980s, Ardbeg was acquired by Allied Distillers Ltd in 1989. Back then, the Distillery was in a dilapidated state with only a small amount of whisky distilled, mainly for blending. In 1996 Ardbeg’s doors were closed – it seemed for good. Thankfully, Heads and a few others believed Ardbeg would rise again and they set aside a small number of casks to protect the future of the Distillery. But it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.
Ardbeg Committee:
The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are 120,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in more than 130 countries. Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee is free to join at www.ardbeg.com
About Ardbeg’s Awards:
Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky. Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions. Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ three years in a row by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. It was also awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ and ‘Best Islay Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2013. At the 2014 awards, Michael Heads of Ardbeg was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’. The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100. Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The Glenmorangie Company:
The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt whisky.
Responsible Drinking:
Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.
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