It has been 200 years since Ardbeg single malt whisky was first distilled on the island of Islay and 15 years since the legacy of this cult whisky was safeguarded by the foundation of the Ardbeg Committee.
The future of the Distillery was guaranteed in 2000 when it formed one of the most passionate and devoted whisky fan clubs in the world with the creation of the Ardbeg Committee - to ensure "the doors of Ardbeg never close again".
Today the Committee has 100,000 members in over 130 countries who celebrate together on Ardbeg Day - now a global annual event - which this year is on 30 May with a 'Past, Present and Future' theme.
At the home of the distillery on Islay many will toast the bicentenary on Ardbeg Day as part of the Fèis Ìle Festival - a key calendar date for malt aficionados with thousands making the trip to the Scottish island for a week-long celebration of music and malt.
For those not able to make the pilgrimage to Islay, Ardbeg Committee members will join together for a celebratory event in London at The Vinyl Factory on May 30, to commemorate the 200th anniversary and become some of the first to taste the new limited edition - Perpetuum.
Ardbeg Perpetuum is inspired by the many styles, ideas and quirks of fate which have influenced Ardbeg over time; it combines different styles, flavours and dreams. Connoisseurs will taste a never-ending, rich and enticing combination of classic Ardbeggian notes and incredibly creamy flavours.
Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg's Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, said: "Ardbeg's character has endured 200 years and we hope it will continue for centuries to come.
"The 2015 Ardbeg Day anniversary bottling, Ardbeg Perpetuum, celebrates this milestone year with a recipe that includes some very old and young Ardbeg, silky Ardbeg from bourbon barrels and some spicy Ardbeg from sherry casks. The resulting expression combines classic notes of dark chocolate and treacle with sea-spray, peat smoke, vanilla and a hint of sherry casks, to create an unforgettable single malt with an aftertaste that is never-ending."
Ardbeg Perpetuum, exclusively launched to mark the bicentenary, will be available to purchase from 30 May 2015 at Ardbeg Embassies* for a two-week exclusive period and will be available at Ardbeg Embassies, Whisky specialists and department stores from 13 June.
For more details about Ardbeg Day please visit www.ardbeg.com, where fans can also sign up to join the Ardbeg Committee.
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