Ardbeg marks 200 years with new limited edition

In celebration of its 200^th anniversary, Islay distillery Ardbeg has launched a new limited edition single malt Scotch whisky “inspired by many styles”, called Ardbeg Perpetuum.

Ardbeg Perpetuum has been launched to celebrate the Islay distillery’s 200th anniversary

The new expression also celebrates the 15^th anniversary of the formation of the Ardbeg Committee – a fan club of 100,000 members that aims to ensure “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.

The distillery, now owned by LVMH, halted production in 1981 but resumed on a limited basis in 1989, with full production resuming almost 10 years later.

No-age-statement Ardbeg Perpetuum is made up of “very old and very young” Ardbeg whiskies aged in both Bourbon and Sherry casks.

“Ardbeg’s character has endured for 200 years and we hope it will continue for centuries to come,” said Dr Bill Lumsden, director of distilling and whisky creation at Ardbeg.

Describing Perpetuum’s flavour profile, Lumsden said: “The resulting expression combines classic notes of dark chocolate and treacle with sea-spray, peat smoke, vanilla and a hint of Sherry casks, to create an unforgettable single malt with an aftertaste that is never-ending.”

The expression will first be available to taste at an event held at London’s The Vinyl Factory on Ardbeg Day (30 May) with a “Past, Present and Future” theme.

Ardbeg Perpetuum, bottled at 47.4% abv, will be available from 30 May for a two week exclusive period at “Ardbeg Embassies”, including The Whisky Exchange, at an RRP of £84.99.

The bottling will roll out to other whisky specialists and department stores from 13 June.

In August last year, Ardbeg launched the third edition in its Supernova series to coincide with the return of a whisky vial it sent into space.