Whisky Focus - Ardbeg Twenty One 21 Year Old Committee Exclusive Release

Ardbeg set to launch Committee exclusive 21 year old distilled in the mid 1990's

The Ardbeg fans amongst you, and I know there are more than a few of you, will be very pleased to hear that the distillery has announced the forthcoming release of Ardbeg Twenty One limited edition which will be available exclusively to Ardbeg Committee members, so if you haven't yet signed up to join the Ardbeg Committee then get over to the Ardbeg website and do so or you will have no hope of getting your hands on a bottle of this limited edition 21 year old.

This Ardbeg 21 year old was distilled in the mid 1990's, which was one of the most turbulent times in Ardbeg’s history, at that time the distillery's whitewashed walls were faded and crumbling, and distilling at Ardbeg had dwindled to almost nothing. As the Ardbeg fans amongst you will know, we have seen very little whisky released which was produced in this era so I suspect that this will be a very popular release.

A small group, including the young Mickey Heads (now Ardbeg's esteemed Distillery Manager), set aside a small number of casks for Ardbeg’s future – including some containing whisky distilled during those perilous days when the Distillery’s future was uncertain.

Today, Ardbeg’s future is in safe hands: the Ardbeg Committee, formed to prevent the Distillery’s doors ever closing again, is now 120,000-strong, with members in more than 130 countries. Mickey Heads, who is the Chairman of the Ardbeg Committee, said: "Ardbeg Twenty One is a shining example of Ardbeg’s enduring spirit. I’m so pleased we can share it with our members. The Committee have invested much in ensuring the future of the Distillery and it’s only right that they should share the rewards of its turbulent past too."

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks at Ardbeg, said: "I selected the casks for this sumptuous, golden whisky as they combine the distinctive, peppery smokiness of Ardbeg’s award-winning malt with soothing, buttery qualities. Born from adversity, Ardbeg Twenty One is the perfect dram to celebrate the resilience of Ardbeg and The Ardbeg Committee’s enduring loyalty."

Ardbeg Twenty One is non chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV, it will be priced at £310 and goes on sale to committee members, appropriately on the 21st September 2016.

If you can't wait you will find the current Ardbeg single malt whisky range available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops

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