Cult malt raises a toast to the past, present and future
Today there are over 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in more than 130 countries, and it is these ‘Ardbeggians’ that have been the backbone of the brand ever since the Distillery reopened way back in 1997
Loyal Ardbeg fans prepare to invade Dullstroom for International Ardbeg Day (Saturday 30 May 2015) to celebrate the 200 year anniversary since Ardbeg single malt whisky was first distilled on the small island of Islay in Scotland. It’s been 15 years since the legacy of this whisky was safeguarded by the foundation of the Ardbeg Committee and the distillery now welcomes one and all to the celebration.
The future of the Distillery was guaranteed in 2000 when it formed one of the most passionate and zealous whisky fan clubs in the world with the creation of the Ardbeg Committee – formed to ensure “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Their passionate advocacy and thirst for Ardbeg has ensured that more Ardbeg, what they see as the Ultimate Islay Malt, than ever before is being created.
Today there are over 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in more than 130 countries, and it is these ‘Ardbeggians’ that have been the backbone of the brand ever since the Distillery reopened way back in 1997 – following a shutdown of many years.
Committee members from all over the world are being encouraged to celebrate the distillery’s 200 year anniversary at a series of special events on the Islay Island and numerous other destinations across the world. To mark this momentous occasion, the world’s peatiest malt whisky won’t be dwelling too much on its past and will instead be focusing on the tantalising theme of Past, Present and Future for the celebration.
Attendees will be given the chance to travel back to the future by coming dressed in clothing from 1815 to 2215 and capture the special event in a retro-futuristic photo booth. Also on offer will be games that reflect the “Futuristic Islay” such as robot Shortie dog circuits. The traditional ‘dribble of whisky’ will be brought into the future by seeing how quickly guests can get the robotic ball around the outline of the iconic Ardbeg bottle.
Ardbeg malts that have never been available for tasting before, such as the limited edition Ardbeg Perpetuum, will be on offer to reward all worthy participants.
Michael (Mickey) Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, says: “We hope Ardbeg’s fans, both present and future, will join us on Ardbeg Day, either on Islay or at one of the many events we are planning around the world to celebrate the 200th birthday of the distillery. Committee fans can be sure that our Ardbeg Day celebrations will prove to be as fun as ever!’
Tickets are available on https://www.wildaboutwhisky.co.za/ and to join the committee, please visit www.ardbeg.com.
