http://www.theglenmorangiecompany.com/news/article/ardbeg-looks-to-the-future-with-multi-million-pound-investment/
Ardbeg distillery. Credit: The Glenmorangie Company 2013

Islay whisky distiller Ardbeg is planning to expand its facilities to double existing distillation capacity.

The multi-million-pound expansion plan will enable the distiller to meet growing demand for its single malts.

The firm plans to replace an old storage area with a new still-house, thereby increasing the number of copper stills from two to four.

Argyll and Bute Council has also given planning permission for the construction of a new boiler house, which will be built nearby.

“With a new still house, we will pave the way for future generations of smoky malt whisky lovers to discover ‘the ultimate Islay malt’.”

Expansion work will commence this year and is expected to be complete by 2019.

Ardberg was bought in 1997 by The Glenmorangie Company, which is now owned by multinational conglomerate LVMH.

The Glenmorangie Company president and CEO Marc Hoellinger said: “We are delighted by Ardbeg’s success since 1997 and by the growing passion for our whisky from fans around the world.

“Ardbeg has been distilled on Islay since 1815 and, with a new still house, we will pave the way for future generations of smoky malt whisky lovers to discover ‘the ultimate Islay malt’.”

Despite the expansion, Ardbeg will continue to be one of the smallest distilleries on Islay. Last November, the Kilchoman Distillery announced plans to double its whisky production while the Laphroaig Distillery planned to add more stills.