SCYFOOD > Whisky Ardbeg Committee Release Contact Customer Service ENQUIRY Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of Ardbeg!" You would not think it to see it now, but Ardbeg had a difficult time of it for much of the 20th century. The distillery was bought in a joint venture between Hiram Walker and DCL in 1959, both intending to supply their blends. The subsequent years were very successful, but DCL backed out in 1979 (closing many of their other distilleries a few years later), and Hiram Walker then struggled in the 1980s era oversupply when interest in blended Scotch was waning. They closed it down for the majority of the decade. It re-opened briefly in the 1990s before being revived for good by Glenmorangie plc in 1997. The 2021 Committee Release honoured the retirement of legendary Distillery Manager and Committee Chairman, Mickey Heads. After an incredible 13-year career, Mickey oversaw an important era in the renaissance of the distillery, many of the bottlings from which have gone on to capture the hearts of peat-lovers and collectors all over the world. Officially launched in January 2000, the Ardbeg Committee is a fan club that loosely tasked with safeguarding the distillery from a return to its darker days of the previous century. Open to anyone to register, the club has access to exclusive releases like this one, which are never available to the general public. Membership also have access to a private room at the distillery and are asked to adhere to semi-tongue in cheek set of Committee rules, one of which warns of grave consequences for those who mix their Ardbeg with anything other than water. The whisky itself has been aged entirely in ex-Rye casks (a first for Ardbeg) and the bottle design enjoys a strong Pirate themed livery. Bottled Strength: 51.8% Bottle Size: 70cl