Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch hosted a night of Whiskey Exploration in honor of the return of Ardbeg’s pioneering research experiment from space. Ardbeg became the first whiskey in space in 2011 by partnering with US-based space research company NanoRacks. Ardbeg blasted in to space on a Russian rocket and took up residence on the International Space Station. Vials of Ardbeg
Guests had the once in a lifetime opportunity to view the opening of the storage unit as the vials were delivered to Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation. These vials are priceless but were insured for over 1 million dollars.
As part of the celebration guest were treated to a tasting of the Ardbeg Supernova released to commemorate the return of Ardbeg’s historic experiment in space. This whisky might be the smoothest single malt I have ever tasted with a delightful buttery finish. This limited batch is already sold out in the US market but you may find limited availability online.
Also available for tasting were three additional varieties of Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch. My personal favorite was the Ardbeg Uigeadail (pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’), a past winner Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible ‘World Whisky of the Year’. Any whiskey drinker would be very satisfied with the Ardbeg Ten Years Old. It is revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all.
The last whiskey on offer was the Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Named after the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, Scotland. Swirling aromas and a deep peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram. Ardbeg prides itself on being the ‘Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky’. The Ardbeg Distillery was established in 1815, but is not resting on there laurels and only becoming more innovative with age.