Given the success and cult like fan base that Ardbeg has recently enjoyed it is almost impossible to imagine that the distillery was closed, on and off, for 15 years until it was purchased by Glenmorangie. Sitting on the southern coast line the current distillery was founded in 1815, the original was destroyed by excise men. The Ardbeg spirit still is fitted with a purifier which many believe accounts for its fruity, zesty character. A phenomenon since the Advance Committee Release sold out in a matter of hours in January 2009. This is the peatiest Ardbeg ever at over 100ppm. Nose: Incredible aroma, top quality tequila, toffee, vanilla. Quite sweet, youthful. Peaty, but not what you\'d expected. Floral, dry. Palate: Mescal, chili, smoked paprika, medicinal, huge peat. Very big fruit, sweet. Finish: Massive spices, peppercorns, charcoal, chilli, nutmeg.