Ardbeg releases two historic whiskies encapsulating the distillery’s rollercoaster past

Ardbeg, the famous distillery on the Scottish island of Islay, has released two historic whiskies emblematic of pivotal moments in the Distillery’s past. United as Ardbeg The Rollercoaster, the two rare single malts were distilled in 1981 and 1989 and embody Ardbeg’s irrepressible spirit and survival against the odds.

Founded more than two centuries ago, Ardbeg suffered during the downturn affecting the entire Scotch whisky industry in the 1980s, forcing the Distillery to close. It reopened under new ownership in 1989, beginning a brave new chapter.  

The first Ardbeg The Rollercoaster whisky was created just two weeks prior to the Distillery’s closing, using the last cask remaining from the stock of 1981. The second, distilled in 1989, celebrates Ardbeg’s revival. 

Ardbeg CEO Caspar MacRae said: “From our Distillery’s most perilous low come two unrepeatable bottlings that take Ardbeg to new heights. Ardbeg The Rollercoaster shows just how far our Distillery has come since its uncertain past.  Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most collectible whiskies. And as its fanbase continues to grow, we are more invested in our Distillery and our island community than ever before. We have built a new stillhouse to ensure the future of Ardbeg’s legendary smoky spirit, and we have recently invested in a well-known hotel on Islay, so we can create a world-class hospitality experience for residents and visitors alike. Here’s to the future of Ardbeg!”