Ardbeg is one of the best known distilleries on the Isle of Islay and enjoys an excellent reputation among whiskey enthusiasts. Throughout its history it has known ups and downs, but since 2004 its success has been ensured by belonging to the large luxury group LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy).

The distillery was founded in 1815 by John Macdougall. In 1838 it was bought by a Scottish merchant who kept the founder's son at the helm of the operations. At the end of the 19th century it was the most productive distillery on the island of Islay. During the 20th century the distillery changed ownership several times and in 1981 it was closed. It opened again with a new ownership in 1987 and initially only produced blended whiskey for other brands. In the 90s it was completely renovated and open to visitors; it began a new successful phase, to such an extent to be consecrated as "distillery of the year" in 1998. The range of Ardbeg Whiskeys established itself during the years 2000s and obtained relevant recognitions by critics and above all by customers.

Ardbeg is distinguished by the use of strongly smoked malts, which result in an important peaty aroma. It uses soft water from a local spring and long fermentation times. Finally, the distillation is discontinuous and double in two different types of still. Each distillate is evaluated individually before proceeding with aging; in case of impurities it is subjected to a new passage in the still.