Visiting Ardbeg Distillery on Islay

Islay has many things to offer visitors. Beautiful sea views, stunning beaches, gorgeous cottages and even delicious pizza restaurants! But often the first thing that comes to people’s minds when they hear the name, is whisky. The island has been distilling this delicious drink since at least the 1700s, and a leader in the field today is the Ardbeg Distillery in the south of the island. Having recently sold a one-of-a-kind 1975 cask for a remarkable £16 million, it’s worth asking – what’s all the fuss about with Ardbeg? 

The history of an award-winning distillery

Ardbeg Distillery can trace its roots back to 1815 when John Macdougall started brewing and selling his whisky. After buyouts, closures and re-openings, fast forward to 1998 and Ardbeg is voted Distillery of the Year. This is the first of many awards. One of the biggest awards came when Ardbeg Ten Years Old won World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray’s 2008 Whisky Bible. Today, whisky from the Ardbeg distillery is drunk all over the world. Some claim it to be the best there is! 

Visiting the distillery

Visitors staying at Islay Cottages often want to take an insider glimpse into how whisky is made at Ardbeg Distillery. There are tours aplenty for you to choose from. For a basic yet insightful tour – perfect for those just learning about whisky – then try the Quintessential Ardbeg Tour. Learn all about milling, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation. 

If you are looking for something a bit more in-depth focussed on the whisky rather than the making of it, then consider the Stillhouse and Warehouse 3 Tasting tour. Here you’ll be able to taste whiskies straight form the cask. You’ll also have an expert on hand to help you detect all the subtle flavours. 

For the ultimate experience, consider an evening spent in Ardbeg an evening well spent! For a detailed tour and rare tasting along with a small group of friends and family, An Evening Behind Closed Doors is for you. 

Take a look at this distillery’s range of tours, which change depending on the season. And if you get hungry, you can also choose from a selection of food and (non-alcoholic) drink at the distillery too.

Delicious drams

Our cottages make the perfect place to sit and have a dram of Ardbeg whisky. Whether cosied in by a fire in our Dundonald Cottage, or outside enjoying the views form the garden at Kilchoman House, a fine sip of whisky can make everything just right. So what should you choose?

The Ardbeg Ten Year Old is a drink enjoyed everywhere by people who love a peaty flavour. It has a magnificent depth of flavour, and is something to enjoy with others. This popular whisky takes on a new life when a drop of water is added too. The perfect end to any day.

For something a bit more adventurous, try the Ardbeg Wee Beastie. Described as the rawest, smokiest Ardbeg ever, this is a drink to fine tune your senses. 

Take a look at the wide range of Ardbeg whiskies available here. 

Stay with us on Islay

So enjoy the finest whisky in luxurious accommodation on Islay. Our cottages make for the perfect setting for a relaxing stay on the island, and with a glass of whisky in hand, it couldn’t be more Scottish. Take a look at our special offers and start planning your Scottish break on Islay with a visit to the Ardbeg distillery.