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Next Auction starts Friday 29 March. Bottle Deadline: 18 March.

Ardbeg Dark Cove Committee Release

Lot: 5139747

Ardbeg Dark Cove Committee Release

Winning Bid: £310

Currency Estimate

Important: Currency exchange rates are constantly changing; this feature is to be used as a guide price only. All final transactions occur in British Pounds (£).
Lot:
Distillery: 
Ardbeg
Region: 
Islay
Bottler: 
Official
Cask Type: 
Ex-bourbon & Sherry
Bottled Strength: 
55%
Bottle Size: 
70cl
Distillery Status: 
Operational
product Details

Ardbeg Dark Cove Committee Release

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 is 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 Ardbeg committee release for 2016, this was matured in ex-bourbon casks with a heart matured in dark sherry casks. The style was inspired by the history of illicit distilling on the island of Islay in which many people were involved, including Allan and Alexander, the uncles of John McDougall, founder of Ardbeg distillery. As usual, a lower strength edition was launched to the public during Ardbeg Day/Night at the Feis Ile festival that year.

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.

Important Notice

We would recommend viewing/close inspection prior to placing any bids. If this is not an option and you have questions beyond the offered description and images, please contact us for a more in-depth condition report. Otherwise lots will be sold as seen in the images.

Please note: Due to the various ages of bottles and their seals, condition of liquid is at the buyer's discretion and no claim can be lodged against failure/leakage in transit.