5 Fascinating Facts You (May) Not Know About Ardbeg Whisky

Ardbeg is an immensely popular whisky brand. A strong dram to savor over time is something people appreciate. But, do you actually know everything about this famous Scottish brand? Here are 5 facts you may not have known about Ardbeg whisky.

In the advertisements for Ardbeg, a funny little dog often appears. This is a Jack Russell Terrier named Shortie. The dog lives on a farm opposite the distillery and occasionally wanders around Ardbeg looking for company. The Ardbeg Shortie Smoky Porter has even been released as a tribute; a tasty beer with the dog's picture on it.

In the iconic whisky book “The World Guide to Whisky” from 1987 by the famous whisky writer Michael Jackson (no, not the singer), Ardbeg is described as a “closed distillery”. Today, it's a thriving operation with dozens of expressions on the market. In 1997, the Ardbeg complex was purchased by Glenmorangie, which turned the distillery into a flourishing business.
Glenmorangie is now part of the Louis Vuitton group. It's quite fascinating how a rugged whisky is related to a chic handbag brand.

In 2022, a barrel of Ardbeg whisky was auctioned off for the equivalent of 18.5 million euros. It was barrel number 3 from 1975. That sum is nearly enough to purchase an extra ferry between Islay and the mainland. The ferry, being the only link to the mainland, is a constant source of comments from islanders.

There's a colossal tilt-window in Ardbeg's distillery room measuring seven meters wide. The window can be mechanically opened to reveal a stunning view of the sea. Of course, the construction isn't just for the spectacular view, but also to ventilate the space.

In the bay near the Ardbeg distillery, you can spot unique wildlife species; Sea otters, whales, dolphins, and seals. You don't need to knock back a bottle of whisky first, with a little luck you can spot these animals while stone-cold sober.

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