Ardbeg distillery, located on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, has a rich and storied history. The distillery has experienced several periods of closure and reopening, each with its own unique circumstances and impact on the whisky industry.
The first significant closure of Ardbeg occurred in 1981 when production was halted. This was a challenging time for many distilleries in Scotland, as the whisky industry was facing a decline in demand. Ardbeg was not immune to these challenges and, unfortunately, had to cease its operations.
However, in 1989, after eight years of silence, Ardbeg was revived on a limited basis. Ownership of the distillery had changed hands, with Hiram Walker taking over. The decision to resume production, albeit at a reduced level, was a testament to the enduring legacy and quality of Ardbeg whisky.
For several years, Ardbeg operated at a lower capacity, producing whisky in smaller quantities. This period of limited production lasted until late 1996, when the distillery once again faced closure. The reasons for this closure were not explicitly stated, but it can be assumed that market conditions and financial considerations played a significant role.
The closure in 1996 marked another pause in Ardbeg's journey, leaving whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs eagerly awaiting its potential revival. Fortunately, their patience would not be in vain.
In 1997, Glenmorangie plc stepped in and purchased Ardbeg distillery. This acquisition signaled a new chapter for the distillery and brought renewed hope for its future. Glenmorangie, known for its expertise in whisky production, saw the potential in Ardbeg and decided to breathe new life into the distillery.
Under the ownership of Glenmorangie, Ardbeg was reopened and production resumed. This marked a turning point for the distillery, as it began to regain its status as a producer of exceptional single malt whisky. The revival of Ardbeg was met with great enthusiasm from whisky enthusiasts worldwide, who eagerly awaited the release of new expressions from the distillery.
The ownership of Glenmorangie was short-lived, as the French company LVMH acquired the company on December 28, 2004. This change in ownership did not hinder Ardbeg's progress, but rather provided the distillery with additional resources and support to continue its legacy of producing outstanding whisky.
Ardbeg distillery experienced closures and reopenings throughout its history. The initial closure in 1981 was followed by a limited resumption of production in 1989 under Hiram Walker's ownership. Production continued at a low level until late 1996 when the distillery faced another closure. However, in 1997, Glenmorangie stepped in and reopened Ardbeg, ushering in a new era for the distillery. The subsequent acquisition by LVMH in 2004 further solidified Ardbeg's position in the whisky industry.