Two hundred years ago on the small, remote Scottish island of Islay (pronounced “eye-lah”) – Ardbeg Whisky was born. Arguably one of the “peatiest, smokiest and most complex malts” by enthusiasts and revered connoisseurs across the globe, Ardbeg is due to celebrate their bicentenary at a series of annual festivities held worldwide.
On Saturday 30th May 2015, New Zealand “Ardbeggians” (whisky lovers) are invited to attend one of three embassies based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to celebrate Ardbeg Day and engage in a range of games, gourmet refreshments and enjoy a taste of this year’s limited edition Ardbeg Perpetuum.
During the 1980s, whisky fans feared the extinction of the brand until The Glenmorangie Company (Moet Hennessy) saved the distillery back in 1997. The single malt whisky has since been safeguarded by the Ardberg Committee to ensure the doors of Ardbeg would “never close again”. Critically acclaimed as “Scotch Whisky of the year” three years running by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and “World’s Best Single Malt” at the World Whisky Awards in 2013, if you’re not already in the fan club, after Saturday’s festivities it’s likely you will be.
So bring along a fellow whisky fan, your A-game and raise a glass to the next 200 years of the Ardbeg legacy.
Ardbeg Day – Saturday May 30, from 11am, free entry:
House of Whiskey – 50 Courthouse Lane, Auckland
Regional Wines & Spirits – 15 Ellice Street, Mt Victoria, Wellington
Whisky Galore – 66 Victoria Street, Christchurch