John Macdougall takes out the license in 1815, so it is this year that Ardbeg begins it’s legitimate production, as it was already operative since 1798. In 1887, Ardbeg is considered the most productive distillery in Islay, with a recorded production of 250,000 gallons (1,1 million liters) per year.

Although it’s distinct flavor made Ardbeg popular and famous, the distillery had to close two times in the future: for the first time in 1981 and for the second time in 1991.

Glenmorangie – part of the LVMH Group – scooped up the distillery in 1997 and returned things to full production, with quick and impressive results.
In 1998 Ardbeg is voted distillery of the year, and in 2000 Ardbeg 10 years old is released.

The rest of the core line up is filled with unique names like “Rollercoaster”, “Alligator”, “Supernova” and “Galileo”. Each one has a different phenol (smoke) rating and is served at a different ABV. A good bit of their spirit is still used in blends as well.

When they are running at full tilt, they can crank out 1,250,000 liters of their manly-man spirits.