Given Ardbeg's recent surge in popularity and its dedicated following, it's hard to believe that the distillery faced closures over a 15-year period until Glenmorangie stepped in. Situated along Islay's southern coast, the current distillery, established in 1815, replaced the original structure destroyed by excise men. Notably, Ardbeg's unique fruity and zesty character is attributed by many to its spirit still, which includes a purifier.

Thanks to its immense popularity, Ardbeg has expanded its core range beyond the original trio of expressions: the 10-year-old, Uigeadail, and Corryvreckan, now including Ardbeg An Oa.

In 2020, Ardbeg Blaaack, aged in premium Pinot Noir wine casks from New Zealand, joined the lineup. Its name pays homage to Ardbeg's reputation as the unconventional outlier amidst Islay's traditional distilleries, with the Committee Release honoring loyal supporters from around the globe.