Momentous Minutes A truly momentous minute! Issue 1 December 2000

It’s out with the old This careful and precise copying of every down to the pot to be redistilled. Together, detail and dimension has been a lengthy these features contribute to the remarkable and in with… and painstaking procedure - and crucial balance found in Ardbeg Single Malt, in maintaining the quality and character achieved by taking the lightest and of Ardbeg whisky. sweetest volatiles of a naturally phenolic How to arrive at the same and highly flavoured spirit. Their The body of Ardbeg’s still has a relatively replication ensures that the distinctive A hum of excitement has pervaded the broad girth, which narrows into the collar Ardbeg character will be retained. Distillery at Ardbeg, as we await the imminent arrival of our brand new spirit still. One further feature that we have been at 1000 – 1493 AD pains to keep is the intricate riveting Essential information to help you neighbouring island Arran and the Mull of The Lords of the Isles arriving at their seat of power: Islay Since our relaunch in 1997 we have been which runs round the top and the bottom come and claim your free dram Kintyre en route. And best of all, you can renovating and replacing buildings and of the still, depicting Celtic knots. Harking see Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig as All visitors are welcome at the Distillery, you fly along the coast of Islay, before equipment. Most importantly, we have back to an age before welding, the rivets but none so much as our new Committee coming in to land. The wee plane has twin spent over 36 months planning the are no longer structurally relevant, and members! So to help you find us, we propellers, and be warned, it can be construction of a still, to replace the one our insistence on them being replicated thought this very practical information distinctly bumpy in the winter months. which has been here for 51 years. The may seem pedantic. But we think not! would help. average lifetime of a still is only 15 to 18 They are part of the old method of By your own boat years, so the still that has served us so long construction, and the Celtic design is also Once you arrive on Islay it’s very easy to Map C64, produced by Imray, features Islay and faithfully truly deserves her rest. But testimony to the Distillery’s heritage and find Ardbeg – although not quite so simple within the area of Belfast Lough to Lough she will not be lost to us entirely, for in her history – and the Spirit of Ardbeg. as following your nose. Take the low road the year. There are normally 3 daily Foyle and Crinan. You can moor here or at south towards Port Ellen, pass Laphroaig, sailings, except Wednesdays and Sundays. one of 10 yacht moorings at Port Ellen, wake will come a replacement cast Every other weekend Lagavulin then before you come to the The crossing takes about 2 hours and, where you’ll find a range of facilities...a perfectly in her image. The moment of her arrival is something 136 Irishmen arrive in rubber dinghies at Ardbeg Kildalton Cross you’ll see Ardbeg’s rocky on a fine day, is absolutely beautiful! hose and fresh water! Please be very careful we have dreamed of for a long time. cove. We’re open 7 days a week during the Prices start at £6.85 for a foot passenger – over 250 shipwrecks and strandings are As any whisky enthusiast is well aware, the We shouldn’t pretend there won’t be a summer, but from October to June we and from £36 for your car. Coach services known to have occurred around Islay’s shape, size and construction of a still few obstacles to overcome as she settles close for the weekend. operate from Glasgow to Kennacraig, rugged shores. influences the character of a whisky as at the base of its tall neck. This bottom- into her new home. And the story of her contact Scottish Citylink Coaches for Welcome... Yo u can pick up a road map when you arrive details on 0990 505050. By rubber dinghy much as ingredients and the surrounding heavy shape contributes to a heavier journey to Islay by sea will undoubtedly be We hope you enjoy this first issue of joining from far-flung places all over the Ardbeg hospitality! It’s good that our in Islay. Inflate your dinghy, don a life jacket environment. So we have given the flavour, and because of the cleansing told in the next issue of Momentous Momentous Minutes which we’ve world... India... Bahrain... South Korea... website at www.ardbeg.com seems to be By air and paddle like mad. Or use a motor and Coppersmiths, Richard Forsyth & Sons properties of the copper in contact with Minutes! But thanks to years of scrupulous produced for members of The Ardbeg Thailand... and Namibia. Some Ardbeg so popular. If you live within the EU, you follow the example of our devotees from By car ferry British Airways (tel: 0845 7733377) fly Committee. The Committee is still in its fans closer to home are going to can use it to order your supply of Ardbeg Ltd, the exact measurements of the old the spirit, the flavour is intensified. But and exacting preparations we can all relax Caledonian MacBrayne (tel: 01475 650100) from Glasgow airport twice daily, first thing Northern Ireland. infancy – it was launched just 9 months extraordinary lengths in their devotion: – worth remembering if you can’t get still, from which they have masterfully Ardbeg also has a purifier on the lyne-arm in the knowledge that at least nothing 1 run the ferry between Kennacraig on the and last thing. The flight takes only /2 an ago. Yet we’re delighted to report that 136 made it over here in dinghies from hold of your favourite vintage elsewhere fabricated her replica. which forces the heaviest volatiles back about the whisky is going to change. mainland and Port Ellen or Port Askaig on hour. It doesn’t quite land on the beach – A warming dram and hearty congratulations already there are over 3,500 members, Northern Ireland, for a dram and some for Christmas! Islay. Timetables obviously change during just right beside it. It flies over especially awaits you.

Ardbeg Distillery, Port Ellen, Islay, Argyll PA42 7EA www.ardbeg.com L ,

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e c s l t t d , n b n e l e i a T e d s l e d n in p r e k e a y o l g r, i P o o s p O c o Marathon Committee , e rm p to in Resinous a m e el agenda is preparing the new Committee a e k S t w g , k , y P, e st rn C rin y N u T , b e B e w al din The Ardbeg Committee would like to Since the launch of the Ardbeg Please write and tell us about your Menthol, camphor, naphtha w in lo It’s a quirky fact that Islay, with Room upstairs. We’ve been so rushed off o ic y, o Nutty/Oily d pra d e as ol Smoky M Se enth thank The Islay People’s Half-Marathon Committee, you have been regaling us messianic endeavours, fulfilling Members’ e, m air ntin a population of just 3,000, has our feet that we haven’t been able to make Spicy a- urpe Bourbon Se irit, t al sp Committee for their thanks for Ardbeg’s with stories of how Ardbeg whisky is being Rules and Regulations: urgic c S Salty tholi more than 140 Committees. as much progress with the room as we Men associated sponsorship of the Islay People’s Half appreciated all around the world. Winey Oloroso, fino, sulphur, dried Sherried Ardbeg So in keeping with the whisky- would have liked. But if you make it out to Leathery Cow-hide, leather saddles, mealy Marathon. Thanks. We were delighted to be Our members’ noticeboard is a forum for Section 2 para 6. The first Committee fruits, walnuts, Xmas pudding Flavour Wheel Feinty Toba Moreover, members are expected to cco Tea-ch involved in the annual drench of runners you to share these experiences with celebrating spirit of the island, meet us before we’ve finished the room, neyed Sweet ests, fresh t e Ho obacco, Hav , fudg associated Sulp ana cigars. actively pursue a serious and altruistic on Islay rscotch hu , butte ry R from Islay, Jura and the mainland! Over 83 fellow Ardbeg enthusiasts. So please Honey Vanilla ub we have established our own rest assured, you can still claim your free r, Wa bery duty: to bring others into the Ardbeg fold. wde xy ,coa po s te B l ga tard flos ola Malty ees s. The result of the collective effect of this is 1000 – 1493 AD s dy oc H wax runners competed this year, 16 of which send in letters and photographs of you da,cu can Ch us , ca Ardbeg Committee here at the dram in The Old Kiln. ,so y Floral ky ndl am p B e w to increase worldwide consumption, cre ru Fruity is G ax, Sy c ri soa were from Islay. All the lady runners with your Ardbeg – or even beermats et, ice Milk, dark l ui st py, herb e a M ty , h fish thereby ensuring that the doors of Ardbeg S fe rb a u o Distillery. No matter how near f e R lt e s il. to y O k,c , H f o a h received floral tributes arranged by – but and souvenirs from places where you’ve shall never close again. le r a a x t a c e e C s c ff e s tra a

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m It raised my spirits u f r well as giving you even more pleasure from people is a little less surprising when you e (pun definitely meant) P tremendously...” Life at the Distillery has been extremely The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. consider the history of Islay. The habit of Vincent Ng are typical of the sherry cask holding the Finally, the mouthfeel and taste. Your busy with the launch of 10 Year Old Ardbeg getting together is ancient; the first Notes from the “W 1976 Ardbeg. tongue detects sweet notes on the tip, salt e were ad poten vised and the Committee. In fact, to celebrate, Enjoy. committee on Islay was no less than The Chief Noser: at the front sides, sour at the back sides cy of A of the substitu rdbeg a Ardbeg Ice-cream ted nd we threw a ceilidh here for the islanders, Lords of the Isles who ruled this part of The best way to taste Swirl it around, look at viscosity. For example, and bitterness at the back. So make sure of it for fifty agallon hogshea red d the 10 Years Old has loads of body, lots of you fully coat your palate and let some air diesel. U s of You read it right first time. it left u nfortu which was hugely enjoyable. Soon after Scotland from Islay between 1000 and your Ardbeg s p n We created an Ardbeg ice-cream legs. And the 1976 is so oily, so intense. in. Experience the mouthfeel. Does it driftin ow ately A stand-in for Bowmore’s shy butcher g off L erless a (strictly for big kids only) Please a a nd that we took part in Islay’s Whisky Festival, 1493 AD. Their court at Loch Finlaggan It goes without saying that you can have a coating effect? Is it chewing? dy Ro m dvise nex ck. exclusively for the 2000 Open Golf ove.” T t appreciate Ardbeg at any time of day. But Next, appreciate the nose. Smell is the Mouthwatering? Feel the whisky caress C he C Championships which took place hosting it here on the last, very sunny, day. was the seat of power for the entire rew of C apt. & So ATH it’s a generally accepted fact amongst most important sense when it comes to every tastebud. When you taste the merled ULA in July at St. Andrews. Vince Ardbeg, porridge, bananas Vo , Over 200 visitors came along, 100 of whom Hebrides and west of Scotland, and it Linnhe, S yages, Lo Fusaro of Wines and Spirits chemists that, physiologically speaking, experiencing any malt. Take lots of sniffs – 10 Years Old, after a few seconds the sweet ou ch and oily fish – the recipe for nd of M merchants, Luvians, commented, filled their very own cask with fresh Ardbeg your sensory abilities are at their optimum the aromas will change all the time. In the peat explodes in the middle of your palate, ull became a focus for council meetings, “With Ardbeg’s sweet floral in the morning – especially if you’re 10 Years Old you may smell first fudge, then it rolls forward – taste the floral, fruity reaching the age of 103! spirit (including Lord Robertson, General inaugurations, fairs and markets. The “We have a really wet notes and treacly peat smoke ravenous! Here we try the 10 Years Old cream, chocolate, rapidly followed by peat. character. You’re left with a dryness on the summer here in mouthfeel, we had no problem at Secretary of NATO who was on holiday Lords met regularly, discussing their rule. and 1976 Cask Strength (for members When nosing the 1976 cask strength, be palate, like cocoa, with an incredibly long At the age of 103, Ardbeg resident Germany. But there is all complementing it with our something that brings a own naturally made ice-cream. here). It was hectic to organise but well It was the golden age of Gaelic culture - who have recently joined, this was a careful to sniff lightly, or, at 50% ABV or finish. It’s incredibly well balanced. Marjorie MacGown frequently pops down to sunshine in my heart. It’s Interestingly, the vanilla of a dram of my favourite special hand-bottling of 2 sherry butts to more, it can be painful! You’ll smell treacle It leaves you with a pleasant sweet peat. The Old Kiln for her lunch. She puts her the bourbon cask maturation worth it for those involved. We’ve also had among the ‘learned orders’, poets held Single Malt Whisky - the celebrate the inauguration of The Ardbeg sponge, spicy fruits, marzipan and cocoa. When you first taste the 1976, initially you healthy old age down to her diet of Ardbeg.” Klaus Niessen combined beautifully with the the pleasure of hosting a wedding for a pride of place as the intellectual leaders of vanilla in the ice-cream.” There Committee). Note that everyone will Behind these you’ll detect peaty notes of experience a burst of sherry fruit and porridge, bananas, oily fish and a daily Member 791 of the Ardbeg Committee are unconfirmed reports that couple from Canada whose first love was medieval Gaelic society. And as for alcohol, detect different aromas and tastes; Ardbeg smoky bacon and salt. chocolate, then after about 10 seconds, the Next on the agenda dram of Ardbeg. “For me,” Marjorie said, Tiger Woods enjoyed a cone before is so wonderfully subtle and complex. peat. It’s plummy, dry, multi-dimensionally Ardbeg! Also, 95% Proof, a local blues band, there was no whisky as it had not yet been “A rdbeg really is the water of life!” his last match... is preparing the new Then add 50% water. This suppresses the floral. It rolls on the palate like a wave, has played here a couple of times. Committee Room upstairs invented; claret was brought from France. First of all, look at the colour. Sight is such alcohol and so releases more of the gently caressing, the flavours constantly an important sense, and no other product Distillery character. With the 10 Years Old, evolving. It’s perfectly balanced, totally has such diverse colours. As well as you may smell more oil, brine, incredible satisfying and leaves your mouth watering. I verify that the minutes recorded here are correct and complete, and I am pleased to endorse increasing your anticipation, it shows you saltiness, then more cream, more honey. their publication and circulation to Members of the Ardbeg Committee. which type of cask it comes from. The gold With the 1976, there’s Old Jamaica Note: For more information about 1976 Ardbeg or of the 10 Years Old is from a bourbon cask. chocolate, the rich spices of mulled wine, to place an order for a bottle, please phone the The deep walnut brown with hints of red and the peat is always there. Distillery on +44 (0) 1496 302244. Stuart Thomson, Chairman. L ,

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s e e e ,s e n n u y o p , a b n a s d e r s g t (m ,e m o ,so o a t s o i m a c s W s e

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a u p o arry t tu n s A f n r t O i STATEMENT us manage all the catering! Next on the p , a y o l

e c s l t t d , n b n e l e i a T e d s l e d n in p r e k e a y o l g r, i P o o s p O c o Marathon Committee , e rm p to in Resinous a m e el agenda is preparing the new Committee a e k S t w g , k , y P, e st rn C rin y N u T , b e B e w al din The Ardbeg Committee would like to Since the launch of the Ardbeg Please write and tell us about your Menthol, camphor, naphtha w in lo It’s a quirky fact that Islay, with Room upstairs. We’ve been so rushed off o ic y, o Nutty/Oily d pra d e as ol Smoky M Se enth thank The Islay People’s Half-Marathon Committee, you have been regaling us messianic endeavours, fulfilling Members’ e, m air ntin a population of just 3,000, has our feet that we haven’t been able to make Spicy a- urpe Bourbon Se irit, t al sp Committee for their thanks for Ardbeg’s with stories of how Ardbeg whisky is being Rules and Regulations: urgic c S Salty tholi more than 140 Committees. as much progress with the room as we Men associated sponsorship of the Islay People’s Half appreciated all around the world. Winey Oloroso, fino, sulphur, dried Sherried Ardbeg So in keeping with the whisky- would have liked. But if you make it out to Leathery Cow-hide, leather saddles, mealy Marathon. Thanks. We were delighted to be Our members’ noticeboard is a forum for Section 2 para 6. The first Committee fruits, walnuts, Xmas pudding Flavour Wheel Feinty Toba Moreover, members are expected to cco Tea-ch involved in the annual drench of runners you to share these experiences with celebrating spirit of the island, meet us before we’ve finished the room, neyed Sweet ests, fresh t e Ho obacco, Hav , fudg associated Sulp ana cigars. actively pursue a serious and altruistic on Islay rscotch hu , butte ry R from Islay, Jura and the mainland! Over 83 fellow Ardbeg enthusiasts. So please Honey Vanilla ub we have established our own rest assured, you can still claim your free r, Wa bery duty: to bring others into the Ardbeg fold. wde xy ,coa po s te B l ga tard flos ola Malty ees s. The result of the collective effect of this is 1000 – 1493 AD s dy oc H wax runners competed this year, 16 of which send in letters and photographs of you da,cu can Ch us , ca Ardbeg Committee here at the dram in The Old Kiln. ,so y Floral ky ndl am p B e w to increase worldwide consumption, cre ru Fruity is G ax, Sy c ri soa were from Islay. All the lady runners with your Ardbeg – or even beermats et, ice Milk, dark l ui st py, herb e a M ty , h fish thereby ensuring that the doors of Ardbeg S fe rb a u o Distillery. No matter how near f e R lt e s il. to y O k,c , H f o a h received floral tributes arranged by – but and souvenirs from places where you’ve shall never close again. le r a a x t a c e e C s c ff e s tra a

a L D te e ip t F i k r u t e n r

r ct Islay’s Finlaggan – t n r d s o e

, i or far, our members share a y a u , Please help us to make the Committee a d ju e h r s s not presented by, as he was ‘too shy’ to give found Ardbeg being sold.

a , p s d P w e e p n g h R e

g a e M a o

f c o e a s e r f

r le o t , r r a t a m

F u m ,s s u f s y G m f e

e i t r i e le a them himself – Bowmore’s local butcher!

common purpose: to celebrate Seat of the Lords of t a success by writing to Momentous Minutes e a n t l

- o e , y n d d

o

n s , m s i n c t t d g

l m e

e o i e R a , s n i e a e l q s

o o i t a p lim t

n t a P r u i a o i

i p i l v ,r a r

m i e n o t

p n e

s y v i the re-awakening of Ardbeg with your anecdotes, comments, photos, e , , r r s - a

s , c , the Isles i m e i b ,

s s s a a m a n c

t o c s a s o c , u h r e

r h t s

a n , t e o

m o , r r s

a r , d e n r ,g g n e l r h t

r a , o b s t

s k r s a r f t e i i r

o “Dear Committee Elders, i c d l p u n e u , n t e

and dispense drams to those suggestions for what you’d like to read u - g k o n r , a p b

c e r l g o d C s la g t a s s e a d , g a e r s ...What an intriguing o d , y

n , t o n s n r c o i n , h a

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deprived of knowledge about about... anything at all! The Committee is all The oft-quoted fact that there are over 140 i , r a a e w t l r h n s t o n , i l e a , a r f e e the doormat when I got e c k s e i H s l G , The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. about getting to know Ardbeg supporters, as committees on this little island of 3,000 d home yesterday evening. e

m It raised my spirits u f r well as giving you even more pleasure from people is a little less surprising when you e (pun definitely meant) P tremendously...” Life at the Distillery has been extremely The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. consider the history of Islay. The habit of Vincent Ng are typical of the sherry cask holding the Finally, the mouthfeel and taste. Your busy with the launch of 10 Year Old Ardbeg getting together is ancient; the first Notes from the “W 1976 Ardbeg. tongue detects sweet notes on the tip, salt e were ad poten vised and the Committee. In fact, to celebrate, Enjoy. committee on Islay was no less than The Chief Noser: at the front sides, sour at the back sides cy of A of the substitu rdbeg a Ardbeg Ice-cream ted nd we threw a ceilidh here for the islanders, Lords of the Isles who ruled this part of The best way to taste Swirl it around, look at viscosity. For example, and bitterness at the back. So make sure of it for fifty agallon hogshea red d the 10 Years Old has loads of body, lots of you fully coat your palate and let some air diesel. U s of You read it right first time. it left u nfortu which was hugely enjoyable. Soon after Scotland from Islay between 1000 and your Ardbeg s p n We created an Ardbeg ice-cream legs. And the 1976 is so oily, so intense. in. Experience the mouthfeel. Does it driftin ow ately A stand-in for Bowmore’s shy butcher g off L erless a (strictly for big kids only) Please a a nd that we took part in Islay’s Whisky Festival, 1493 AD. Their court at Loch Finlaggan It goes without saying that you can have a coating effect? Is it chewing? dy Ro m dvise nex ck. exclusively for the 2000 Open Golf ove.” T t appreciate Ardbeg at any time of day. But Next, appreciate the nose. Smell is the Mouthwatering? Feel the whisky caress C he C Championships which took place hosting it here on the last, very sunny, day. was the seat of power for the entire rew of C apt. & So ATH it’s a generally accepted fact amongst most important sense when it comes to every tastebud. When you taste the merled ULA in July at St. Andrews. Vince Ardbeg, porridge, bananas Vo , Over 200 visitors came along, 100 of whom Hebrides and west of Scotland, and it Linnhe, S yages, Lo Fusaro of Wines and Spirits chemists that, physiologically speaking, experiencing any malt. Take lots of sniffs – 10 Years Old, after a few seconds the sweet ou ch and oily fish – the recipe for nd of M merchants, Luvians, commented, filled their very own cask with fresh Ardbeg your sensory abilities are at their optimum the aromas will change all the time. In the peat explodes in the middle of your palate, ull became a focus for council meetings, “With Ardbeg’s sweet floral in the morning – especially if you’re 10 Years Old you may smell first fudge, then it rolls forward – taste the floral, fruity reaching the age of 103! spirit (including Lord Robertson, General inaugurations, fairs and markets. The “We have a really wet notes and treacly peat smoke ravenous! Here we try the 10 Years Old cream, chocolate, rapidly followed by peat. character. You’re left with a dryness on the summer here in mouthfeel, we had no problem at Secretary of NATO who was on holiday Lords met regularly, discussing their rule. and 1976 Cask Strength (for members When nosing the 1976 cask strength, be palate, like cocoa, with an incredibly long At the age of 103, Ardbeg resident Germany. But there is all complementing it with our something that brings a own naturally made ice-cream. here). It was hectic to organise but well It was the golden age of Gaelic culture - who have recently joined, this was a careful to sniff lightly, or, at 50% ABV or finish. It’s incredibly well balanced. Marjorie MacGown frequently pops down to sunshine in my heart. It’s Interestingly, the vanilla of a dram of my favourite special hand-bottling of 2 sherry butts to more, it can be painful! You’ll smell treacle It leaves you with a pleasant sweet peat. The Old Kiln for her lunch. She puts her the bourbon cask maturation worth it for those involved. We’ve also had among the ‘learned orders’, poets held Single Malt Whisky - the celebrate the inauguration of The Ardbeg sponge, spicy fruits, marzipan and cocoa. When you first taste the 1976, initially you healthy old age down to her diet of Ardbeg.” Klaus Niessen combined beautifully with the the pleasure of hosting a wedding for a pride of place as the intellectual leaders of vanilla in the ice-cream.” There Committee). Note that everyone will Behind these you’ll detect peaty notes of experience a burst of sherry fruit and porridge, bananas, oily fish and a daily Member 791 of the Ardbeg Committee are unconfirmed reports that couple from Canada whose first love was medieval Gaelic society. And as for alcohol, detect different aromas and tastes; Ardbeg smoky bacon and salt. chocolate, then after about 10 seconds, the Next on the agenda dram of Ardbeg. “For me,” Marjorie said, Tiger Woods enjoyed a cone before is so wonderfully subtle and complex. peat. It’s plummy, dry, multi-dimensionally Ardbeg! Also, 95% Proof, a local blues band, there was no whisky as it had not yet been “A rdbeg really is the water of life!” his last match... is preparing the new Then add 50% water. This suppresses the floral. It rolls on the palate like a wave, has played here a couple of times. Committee Room upstairs invented; claret was brought from France. First of all, look at the colour. Sight is such alcohol and so releases more of the gently caressing, the flavours constantly an important sense, and no other product Distillery character. With the 10 Years Old, evolving. It’s perfectly balanced, totally has such diverse colours. As well as you may smell more oil, brine, incredible satisfying and leaves your mouth watering. I verify that the minutes recorded here are correct and complete, and I am pleased to endorse increasing your anticipation, it shows you saltiness, then more cream, more honey. their publication and circulation to Members of the Ardbeg Committee. which type of cask it comes from. The gold With the 1976, there’s Old Jamaica Note: For more information about 1976 Ardbeg or of the 10 Years Old is from a bourbon cask. chocolate, the rich spices of mulled wine, to place an order for a bottle, please phone the The deep walnut brown with hints of red and the peat is always there. Distillery on +44 (0) 1496 302244. Stuart Thomson, Chairman. L ,

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deprived of knowledge about about... anything at all! The Committee is all The oft-quoted fact that there are over 140 i , r a a e w t l r h n s t o n , i l e a , a r f e e the doormat when I got e c k s e i H s l G , The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. about getting to know Ardbeg supporters, as committees on this little island of 3,000 d home yesterday evening. e

m It raised my spirits u f r well as giving you even more pleasure from people is a little less surprising when you e (pun definitely meant) P tremendously...” Life at the Distillery has been extremely The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. consider the history of Islay. The habit of Vincent Ng are typical of the sherry cask holding the Finally, the mouthfeel and taste. Your busy with the launch of 10 Year Old Ardbeg getting together is ancient; the first Notes from the “W 1976 Ardbeg. tongue detects sweet notes on the tip, salt e were ad poten vised and the Committee. In fact, to celebrate, Enjoy. committee on Islay was no less than The Chief Noser: at the front sides, sour at the back sides cy of A of the substitu rdbeg a Ardbeg Ice-cream ted nd we threw a ceilidh here for the islanders, Lords of the Isles who ruled this part of The best way to taste Swirl it around, look at viscosity. For example, and bitterness at the back. So make sure of it for fifty agallon hogshea red d the 10 Years Old has loads of body, lots of you fully coat your palate and let some air diesel. U s of You read it right first time. it left u nfortu which was hugely enjoyable. Soon after Scotland from Islay between 1000 and your Ardbeg s p n We created an Ardbeg ice-cream legs. And the 1976 is so oily, so intense. in. Experience the mouthfeel. Does it driftin ow ately A stand-in for Bowmore’s shy butcher g off L erless a (strictly for big kids only) Please a a nd that we took part in Islay’s Whisky Festival, 1493 AD. Their court at Loch Finlaggan It goes without saying that you can have a coating effect? Is it chewing? dy Ro m dvise nex ck. exclusively for the 2000 Open Golf ove.” T t appreciate Ardbeg at any time of day. But Next, appreciate the nose. Smell is the Mouthwatering? Feel the whisky caress C he C Championships which took place hosting it here on the last, very sunny, day. was the seat of power for the entire rew of C apt. & So ATH it’s a generally accepted fact amongst most important sense when it comes to every tastebud. When you taste the merled ULA in July at St. Andrews. Vince Ardbeg, porridge, bananas Vo , Over 200 visitors came along, 100 of whom Hebrides and west of Scotland, and it Linnhe, S yages, Lo Fusaro of Wines and Spirits chemists that, physiologically speaking, experiencing any malt. Take lots of sniffs – 10 Years Old, after a few seconds the sweet ou ch and oily fish – the recipe for nd of M merchants, Luvians, commented, filled their very own cask with fresh Ardbeg your sensory abilities are at their optimum the aromas will change all the time. In the peat explodes in the middle of your palate, ull became a focus for council meetings, “With Ardbeg’s sweet floral in the morning – especially if you’re 10 Years Old you may smell first fudge, then it rolls forward – taste the floral, fruity reaching the age of 103! spirit (including Lord Robertson, General inaugurations, fairs and markets. The “We have a really wet notes and treacly peat smoke ravenous! Here we try the 10 Years Old cream, chocolate, rapidly followed by peat. character. You’re left with a dryness on the summer here in mouthfeel, we had no problem at Secretary of NATO who was on holiday Lords met regularly, discussing their rule. and 1976 Cask Strength (for members When nosing the 1976 cask strength, be palate, like cocoa, with an incredibly long At the age of 103, Ardbeg resident Germany. But there is all complementing it with our something that brings a own naturally made ice-cream. here). It was hectic to organise but well It was the golden age of Gaelic culture - who have recently joined, this was a careful to sniff lightly, or, at 50% ABV or finish. It’s incredibly well balanced. Marjorie MacGown frequently pops down to sunshine in my heart. It’s Interestingly, the vanilla of a dram of my favourite special hand-bottling of 2 sherry butts to more, it can be painful! You’ll smell treacle It leaves you with a pleasant sweet peat. The Old Kiln for her lunch. She puts her the bourbon cask maturation worth it for those involved. We’ve also had among the ‘learned orders’, poets held Single Malt Whisky - the celebrate the inauguration of The Ardbeg sponge, spicy fruits, marzipan and cocoa. When you first taste the 1976, initially you healthy old age down to her diet of Ardbeg.” Klaus Niessen combined beautifully with the the pleasure of hosting a wedding for a pride of place as the intellectual leaders of vanilla in the ice-cream.” There Committee). Note that everyone will Behind these you’ll detect peaty notes of experience a burst of sherry fruit and porridge, bananas, oily fish and a daily Member 791 of the Ardbeg Committee are unconfirmed reports that couple from Canada whose first love was medieval Gaelic society. And as for alcohol, detect different aromas and tastes; Ardbeg smoky bacon and salt. chocolate, then after about 10 seconds, the Next on the agenda dram of Ardbeg. “For me,” Marjorie said, Tiger Woods enjoyed a cone before is so wonderfully subtle and complex. peat. It’s plummy, dry, multi-dimensionally Ardbeg! Also, 95% Proof, a local blues band, there was no whisky as it had not yet been “A rdbeg really is the water of life!” his last match... is preparing the new Then add 50% water. This suppresses the floral. It rolls on the palate like a wave, has played here a couple of times. Committee Room upstairs invented; claret was brought from France. First of all, look at the colour. Sight is such alcohol and so releases more of the gently caressing, the flavours constantly an important sense, and no other product Distillery character. With the 10 Years Old, evolving. It’s perfectly balanced, totally has such diverse colours. As well as you may smell more oil, brine, incredible satisfying and leaves your mouth watering. I verify that the minutes recorded here are correct and complete, and I am pleased to endorse increasing your anticipation, it shows you saltiness, then more cream, more honey. their publication and circulation to Members of the Ardbeg Committee. which type of cask it comes from. The gold With the 1976, there’s Old Jamaica Note: For more information about 1976 Ardbeg or of the 10 Years Old is from a bourbon cask. chocolate, the rich spices of mulled wine, to place an order for a bottle, please phone the The deep walnut brown with hints of red and the peat is always there. Distillery on +44 (0) 1496 302244. Stuart Thomson, Chairman. Momentous Minutes A truly momentous minute! Issue 1 December 2000

It’s out with the old This careful and precise copying of every down to the pot to be redistilled. Together, detail and dimension has been a lengthy these features contribute to the remarkable and in with… and painstaking procedure - and crucial balance found in Ardbeg Single Malt, in maintaining the quality and character achieved by taking the lightest and of Ardbeg whisky. sweetest volatiles of a naturally phenolic How to arrive at the same and highly flavoured spirit. Their The body of Ardbeg’s still has a relatively replication ensures that the distinctive A hum of excitement has pervaded the broad girth, which narrows into the collar Ardbeg character will be retained. Distillery at Ardbeg, as we await the imminent arrival of our brand new spirit still. One further feature that we have been at 1000 – 1493 AD pains to keep is the intricate riveting Essential information to help you neighbouring island Arran and the Mull of The Lords of the Isles arriving at their seat of power: Islay Since our relaunch in 1997 we have been which runs round the top and the bottom come and claim your free dram Kintyre en route. And best of all, you can renovating and replacing buildings and of the still, depicting Celtic knots. Harking see Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig as All visitors are welcome at the Distillery, you fly along the coast of Islay, before equipment. Most importantly, we have back to an age before welding, the rivets but none so much as our new Committee coming in to land. The wee plane has twin spent over 36 months planning the are no longer structurally relevant, and members! So to help you find us, we propellers, and be warned, it can be construction of a still, to replace the one our insistence on them being replicated thought this very practical information distinctly bumpy in the winter months. which has been here for 51 years. The may seem pedantic. But we think not! would help. average lifetime of a still is only 15 to 18 They are part of the old method of By your own boat years, so the still that has served us so long construction, and the Celtic design is also Once you arrive on Islay it’s very easy to Map C64, produced by Imray, features Islay and faithfully truly deserves her rest. But testimony to the Distillery’s heritage and find Ardbeg – although not quite so simple within the area of Belfast Lough to Lough she will not be lost to us entirely, for in her history – and the Spirit of Ardbeg. as following your nose. Take the low road the year. There are normally 3 daily Foyle and Crinan. You can moor here or at south towards Port Ellen, pass Laphroaig, sailings, except Wednesdays and Sundays. one of 10 yacht moorings at Port Ellen, wake will come a replacement cast Every other weekend Lagavulin then before you come to the The crossing takes about 2 hours and, where you’ll find a range of facilities...a perfectly in her image. The moment of her arrival is something 136 Irishmen arrive in rubber dinghies at Ardbeg Kildalton Cross you’ll see Ardbeg’s rocky on a fine day, is absolutely beautiful! hose and fresh water! Please be very careful we have dreamed of for a long time. cove. We’re open 7 days a week during the Prices start at £6.85 for a foot passenger – over 250 shipwrecks and strandings are As any whisky enthusiast is well aware, the We shouldn’t pretend there won’t be a summer, but from October to June we and from £36 for your car. Coach services known to have occurred around Islay’s shape, size and construction of a still few obstacles to overcome as she settles close for the weekend. operate from Glasgow to Kennacraig, rugged shores. influences the character of a whisky as at the base of its tall neck. This bottom- into her new home. And the story of her contact Scottish Citylink Coaches for Welcome... Yo u can pick up a road map when you arrive details on 0990 505050. By rubber dinghy much as ingredients and the surrounding heavy shape contributes to a heavier journey to Islay by sea will undoubtedly be We hope you enjoy this first issue of joining from far-flung places all over the Ardbeg hospitality! It’s good that our in Islay. Inflate your dinghy, don a life jacket environment. So we have given the flavour, and because of the cleansing told in the next issue of Momentous Momentous Minutes which we’ve world... India... Bahrain... South Korea... website at www.ardbeg.com seems to be By air and paddle like mad. Or use a motor and Coppersmiths, Richard Forsyth & Sons properties of the copper in contact with Minutes! But thanks to years of scrupulous produced for members of The Ardbeg Thailand... and Namibia. Some Ardbeg so popular. If you live within the EU, you follow the example of our devotees from By car ferry British Airways (tel: 0845 7733377) fly Committee. The Committee is still in its fans closer to home are going to can use it to order your supply of Ardbeg Ltd, the exact measurements of the old the spirit, the flavour is intensified. But and exacting preparations we can all relax Caledonian MacBrayne (tel: 01475 650100) from Glasgow airport twice daily, first thing Northern Ireland. infancy – it was launched just 9 months extraordinary lengths in their devotion: – worth remembering if you can’t get still, from which they have masterfully Ardbeg also has a purifier on the lyne-arm in the knowledge that at least nothing 1 run the ferry between Kennacraig on the and last thing. The flight takes only /2 an ago. Yet we’re delighted to report that 136 made it over here in dinghies from hold of your favourite vintage elsewhere fabricated her replica. which forces the heaviest volatiles back about the whisky is going to change. mainland and Port Ellen or Port Askaig on hour. It doesn’t quite land on the beach – A warming dram and hearty congratulations already there are over 3,500 members, Northern Ireland, for a dram and some for Christmas! Islay. Timetables obviously change during just right beside it. It flies over especially awaits you.

Ardbeg Distillery, Port Ellen, Islay, Argyll PA42 7EA www.ardbeg.com Momentous Minutes A truly momentous minute! Issue 1 December 2000

It’s out with the old This careful and precise copying of every down to the pot to be redistilled. Together, detail and dimension has been a lengthy these features contribute to the remarkable and in with… and painstaking procedure - and crucial balance found in Ardbeg Single Malt, in maintaining the quality and character achieved by taking the lightest and of Ardbeg whisky. sweetest volatiles of a naturally phenolic How to arrive at the same and highly flavoured spirit. Their The body of Ardbeg’s still has a relatively replication ensures that the distinctive A hum of excitement has pervaded the broad girth, which narrows into the collar Ardbeg character will be retained. Distillery at Ardbeg, as we await the imminent arrival of our brand new spirit still. One further feature that we have been at 1000 – 1493 AD pains to keep is the intricate riveting Essential information to help you neighbouring island Arran and the Mull of The Lords of the Isles arriving at their seat of power: Islay Since our relaunch in 1997 we have been which runs round the top and the bottom come and claim your free dram Kintyre en route. And best of all, you can renovating and replacing buildings and of the still, depicting Celtic knots. Harking see Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig as All visitors are welcome at the Distillery, you fly along the coast of Islay, before equipment. Most importantly, we have back to an age before welding, the rivets but none so much as our new Committee coming in to land. The wee plane has twin spent over 36 months planning the are no longer structurally relevant, and members! So to help you find us, we propellers, and be warned, it can be construction of a still, to replace the one our insistence on them being replicated thought this very practical information distinctly bumpy in the winter months. which has been here for 51 years. The may seem pedantic. But we think not! would help. average lifetime of a still is only 15 to 18 They are part of the old method of By your own boat years, so the still that has served us so long construction, and the Celtic design is also Once you arrive on Islay it’s very easy to Map C64, produced by Imray, features Islay and faithfully truly deserves her rest. But testimony to the Distillery’s heritage and find Ardbeg – although not quite so simple within the area of Belfast Lough to Lough she will not be lost to us entirely, for in her history – and the Spirit of Ardbeg. as following your nose. Take the low road the year. There are normally 3 daily Foyle and Crinan. You can moor here or at south towards Port Ellen, pass Laphroaig, sailings, except Wednesdays and Sundays. one of 10 yacht moorings at Port Ellen, wake will come a replacement cast Every other weekend Lagavulin then before you come to the The crossing takes about 2 hours and, where you’ll find a range of facilities...a perfectly in her image. The moment of her arrival is something 136 Irishmen arrive in rubber dinghies at Ardbeg Kildalton Cross you’ll see Ardbeg’s rocky on a fine day, is absolutely beautiful! hose and fresh water! Please be very careful we have dreamed of for a long time. cove. We’re open 7 days a week during the Prices start at £6.85 for a foot passenger – over 250 shipwrecks and strandings are As any whisky enthusiast is well aware, the We shouldn’t pretend there won’t be a summer, but from October to June we and from £36 for your car. Coach services known to have occurred around Islay’s shape, size and construction of a still few obstacles to overcome as she settles close for the weekend. operate from Glasgow to Kennacraig, rugged shores. influences the character of a whisky as at the base of its tall neck. This bottom- into her new home. And the story of her contact Scottish Citylink Coaches for Welcome... Yo u can pick up a road map when you arrive details on 0990 505050. By rubber dinghy much as ingredients and the surrounding heavy shape contributes to a heavier journey to Islay by sea will undoubtedly be We hope you enjoy this first issue of joining from far-flung places all over the Ardbeg hospitality! It’s good that our in Islay. Inflate your dinghy, don a life jacket environment. So we have given the flavour, and because of the cleansing told in the next issue of Momentous Momentous Minutes which we’ve world... India... Bahrain... South Korea... website at www.ardbeg.com seems to be By air and paddle like mad. Or use a motor and Coppersmiths, Richard Forsyth & Sons properties of the copper in contact with Minutes! But thanks to years of scrupulous produced for members of The Ardbeg Thailand... and Namibia. Some Ardbeg so popular. If you live within the EU, you follow the example of our devotees from By car ferry British Airways (tel: 0845 7733377) fly Committee. The Committee is still in its fans closer to home are going to can use it to order your supply of Ardbeg Ltd, the exact measurements of the old the spirit, the flavour is intensified. But and exacting preparations we can all relax Caledonian MacBrayne (tel: 01475 650100) from Glasgow airport twice daily, first thing Northern Ireland. infancy – it was launched just 9 months extraordinary lengths in their devotion: – worth remembering if you can’t get still, from which they have masterfully Ardbeg also has a purifier on the lyne-arm in the knowledge that at least nothing 1 run the ferry between Kennacraig on the and last thing. The flight takes only /2 an ago. Yet we’re delighted to report that 136 made it over here in dinghies from hold of your favourite vintage elsewhere fabricated her replica. which forces the heaviest volatiles back about the whisky is going to change. mainland and Port Ellen or Port Askaig on hour. It doesn’t quite land on the beach – A warming dram and hearty congratulations already there are over 3,500 members, Northern Ireland, for a dram and some for Christmas! Islay. Timetables obviously change during just right beside it. It flies over especially awaits you.

Ardbeg Distillery, Port Ellen, Islay, Argyll PA42 7EA www.ardbeg.com