Whiskey Islay Single Malt For Discussion 8 YO - Ardbeg

 This is exactly what Dr. Bill Lumsden thought as he tasted Ardbeg casks from different eras and discovered new dimensions of smoky flavor in the spirit. The Ardbeg 8 Years Old For Discussion   It is a heavily peated single malt Scotch whisky aged exclusively in ex-sherry casks before being bottled at 50.8% ABV without chill filtering.

 Type: Whisky
 Origin: Scotland
 Alcohol Content: 50.8%
 Aging: 8 years
 Format: 70cl

 Tasting Notes: Dark straw yellow. On the nose, notes of toasted oak and peat smoke, followed by hints of licorice, toasted bread, iodine, and a subtle marine note. On the palate, hints of lemon, salted caramel, black bread, a touch of ash, along with peat smoke and fruity notes. The finish is persistent, with notes of pickled olives, lemon, toasted nuts, and the accompanying peat smoke.

 The Distillery: On the southern coast of the island of Islay, Scotland, in this wild land (once a hub of illegal distilleries and a smugglers' hideout) lies Ardbeg. Founded in 1815 by John McDougall, the distillery has had a turbulent history, with transfers of ownership and closures. In 1835, there was a change of ownership, purchased by Thomas Buchanan, a Glasgow merchant, although John McDougall and his son continued to run the company. By 1877, nearly a third of all Islay residents worked at the distillery. At the time, annual production exceeded one million liters, not bad for a small company. Unfortunately, in 1981, due to the economic crisis that began in the late 1970s, Ardbeg, which primarily produced whisky for the blending market, was no longer able to keep the distillery open and closed its operations. Repurchased in 1987 by Hiram Walker, production resumed only in October 1989, after Walker's distilleries were acquired by Allied Distillers, albeit on a much smaller scale. In 1991, the distillery closed again, but in February 1997, Ardbeg was acquired by Glenmorangie, which invested nearly £10 million in its acquisition and modernization. Ardbeg is now considered one of the most innovative distilleries in the world, not only for its whisky but also for its unique marketing and advertising style. Today, Ardbeg produces Single Malts distinguished by a harmonious blend of salty marine notes and the bold aroma of peat. This whisky embodies the wild heart of Islay and its sea.