Ardbeg Malt Awarded Best Scotch Whisky of Year

--- Author of Whisky Bible 2010 describes Ardbeg Supernova as a “major beast” ---

--- Interviews available with Jim Murray, Bill Lumsden and Glenmorangie Company Ardbeg expert Hamish Torrie. Press pics of Ardbeg distillery and product pics available via email. Call Hailey Ross on 07770 886906 ---

Ardbeg Supernova – a single malt whisky from the Ardbeg Distillery on the remote Island of Islay – has been named Best Scotch Whisky of the Year, the third year running an Ardbeg single malt has been awarded such a prestigious accolade.

This follows the success of the Distillery’s flagship expression Ardbeg Ten Years Old, and Ardbeg Uigeadail, which were named World Whisky of the Year in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

The award for Ardbeg Supernova comes with the publication of the seventh annual edition of whisky authority and writer Jim Murray’s, “Whisky Bible”. A favourite with whisky aficionados, barmen and connoisseurs around the world Jim Murray has nosed and tasted nearly 1,000 new whiskies over the past year. The Jim Murray “Whisky Bible 2010” contains more than 3,850 whisky tasting notes in all. Ardbeg Supernova received 97 points out of 100. Murray described the dram as being “moody, atmospheric” and a “major beast”.

Bottled at 58.9 per cent, Ardbeg Supernova is a single malt Scotch whisky with a staggering peating level well in excess of 100 parts per million, making it the peatiest Ardbeg ever.

Hamish Torrie, Ardbeg Brand Director says: “With Ardbeg Supernova you have nothing less than a “galactic explosion” of flavours, with salt and pepper, roasted coffee, chilli and chocolate all contributing. Jim’s accolade of identifying Supernova as the best Scotch Whisky delights all of us who work on Ardbeg.

“It is a tribute to the consistency, dedication and skill of the team at the Distillery, and our Whisky Creation Team, led by Dr Bill Lumsden and Rachel Barrie.”

He continued: “Ardbeg Supernova was a limited edition in 2009. It probably means we’ll have to consider releasing some more in 2010.”