Ardbeg 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distillery Background and History

Ardbeg Distillery, established in 1815 on the rugged southern coast of Islay, Scotland, is renowned for producing intensely peated single malts. Owned by LVMH since 2004, Ardbeg combines maritime climate influence with traditional copper-pot distillation to craft some of the world’s smokiest and most complex whiskies  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Since 2020, Master Distiller Colin Gordon has upheld Ardbeg’s ethos of bold peat character (~50 ppm phenols), non-chill filtration, and slow distillation. The focus is on balancing intense smokiness with underlying sweetness and maritime minerality  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Made from 100 % peated malted barley sourced from Port Ellen maltings. Pure, soft water comes from nearby Loch Uigeadail, and fermentation uses proprietary yeast strains in traditional Oregon pine washbacks  .

Distillation Process

Double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills—one wash and one spirit still per pair—with a deliberate slow run to maximize flavor retention and texture  .

Maturation & Cask Information

Matured in ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in a small proportion of virgin French Limousin oak casks to add spice and depth. Non-age-stated format ensures flexibility in marrying vat production  .

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense peat smoke, tar, creosote, smoky seaweed, dark chocolate, and espresso.

• Palate: Powerful peat, black pepper, licorice, walnut, and a hint of citrus zest.

• Finish: Long, ashen, with lingering saline minerality and spiced oak  .

Food Pairing Suggestions

Complements smoked or grilled meats, strong blue cheeses, oysters, and dark chocolate desserts—each enhancing the whisky’s savory-smoky and sweet-spice interplay.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Best served neat or with a few drops of spring water at 18–20 °C in a Glencairn or tulip glass. Allow to rest for 10–15 minutes to unlock layered aromas.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place. Once opened, retains character for years; further bottle aging will preserve but not significantly evolve flavor.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single malt Scotch—100 % peated malted barley (~50 ppm phenols).

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

46 % ABV, non-chill filtered  .

Scores

• 97 – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 

• 93 – Whisky Advocate