malts month OF THE

The stark whitewashed walls of its warehouse, nestling on Islay’s south coast, have long been a beacon to lovers of smoky single malt.

Now, as the season of giving draws near, Ardbeg is inviting whisky drinkers to take home a unique distillery memento – with a gift edition that celebrates an iconic location, and two much-loved local characters.

The eye-catching Ardbeg 2018 gift edition features a presentation tin that replicates Ardbeg’s legendary warehouse, complete with bold black lettering, whitewashed walls and embossed rivets.

The word ‘Ardbeg’ emblazoned on the warehouse wall was once a signpost for ships heading towards the shore. Now it’s a signpost towards the perfectly peaty spirit of Islay.

And this year’s tin is not just about the place, but also pays tribute to some of the distillery’s famous faces.

Along the side of the tin, Yogi, one of Ardbeg’s industrious stillmen, rolls a large cask of whisky, while Shortie, the distillery’s feisty Jack Russell, stands guard.

The hinged roof opens to reveal a bottle of Ardbeg 10-year-old nestling inside, a whisky revered around the world as one of the peatiest, smokiest and most complex Islay single malts.

Distillery manager Mickey Heads said: ‘Yogi and Shortie are two of our most well-known characters and there’s nobody better suited to represent the spirit of Islay than this sprightly duo. With their addition, we’ve somehow managed to make our famous warehouse more iconic.

‘When it comes to the whisky inside, Ardbeg 10-year-old has stunning briny notes which bring a welcome taste of our distillery’s long association with the sea.

‘Alongside the familiar power of smoke and peat, that salty tang is perfectly balanced with sweetness.’