Ardbeg distillery, located on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, has a rich history that has seen its fair share of closures and reopenings. The distillery was first established in 1815 and operated continuously until 1981 when production was halted due to financial difficulties. This closure marked a significant turning point for Ardbeg and its loyal fans.
However, the story doesn't end there. After eight long years of silence, the distillery was revived on a limited basis in 1989. This marked a glimmer of hope for Ardbeg lovers who had been missing their beloved smoky and peaty drams. Despite the financial challenges, a small amount of production resumed, albeit at a low level.
During this time, Ardbeg was under the ownership of Hiram Walker, a Canadian distiller. While the production levels were not as high as before, it was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ardbeg team to keep the spirit alive. It showed that even in the face of adversity, the passion for whisky-making could not be extinguished.
However, it wasn't until 1997 that Ardbeg found a new lease on life. Glenmorangie plc, a renowned Scottish distillery, bought and reopened Ardbeg, much to the delight of whisky enthusiasts worldwide. This acquisition brought fresh energy and investment to the distillery, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Under Glenmorangie's ownership, Ardbeg began to flourish once again. The distillery's iconic peaty and smoky single malts regained their popularity, captivating whisky lovers with their distinct flavors and character. Ardbeg became known for its commitment to traditional whisky-making methods and its dedication to preserving the heritage of Islay whisky.
The success of Ardbeg caught the attention of the French luxury goods company LVMH, which acquired Glenmorangie plc, including Ardbeg, on 28 December 2004. This further solidified Ardbeg's position in the whisky industry and opened doors to new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Ardbeg distillery closed its doors in 1981 due to financial difficulties but was revived in 1989 on a limited basis. Production continued at a low level until 1996 under the ownership of Hiram Walker. In 1997, Glenmorangie plc bought and reopened the distillery, bringing it back to its former glory. The subsequent acquisition by LVMH in 2004 further strengthened Ardbeg's position in the whisky world. The story of Ardbeg's closures and reopenings is a testament to the resilience and unwavering passion of its dedicated team and the enduring love for its distinctive Islay single malts.