Islay distillery Ardbeg creates first-ever beer with Brewgooder

Islay distillery Ardbeg is dipping its toe into a new corner of the alcohol market for charity, with the launch of its first-ever beer.

The Shortie Smoky Porter, named after the distiller's beloved canine mascot, Shortie the Jack Russell, is a limited-edition release launched in partnership with Brewgooder which will be available exclusively in the UK.

Created by Alan McIntyre, global brand manager at Ardbeg, and Alan Mahon, founder of Brewgooder, the beer has been produced in aid of World Water Day (22 March) with all profits donated to support clean water projects in Malawi. Alongside 250 craft brewers from around the world, Ardbeg is the only distillery to be releasing a one-off brew for World Water Day as part of the Global Gathering campaign.

Ardbeg joined forces with William Bros Brewing Co. to make the Shortie Smoky Porter, which uses the same peated malt as the distillery's 10 Years Old whisky.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg director of distilling, whisky creation and whisky stocks, said: "We all dig Ardbeg, and none more so than Shortie. So for this life-saving, well-digging clean water brew, it was only fitting that our canine mascot should represent Islay. As with most porters, this beer is smooth and creamy. However, our malt has helped make it distinctly smoky - the way we imagine an Ardbeg beer is meant to taste."

Mickey Heads, Ardbeg distillery manager, added: "Helping brew a beer may seem like unchartered territory for Ardbeg, but as any whiskyphile worth their malt will tell you, beer and whisky share the same DNA. We hope that Ardbeggians and craft beer lovers alike will enjoy this extra-special limited edition." 

The beer will be on sale at the Ardbeg Distillery visitor centre, online at www.ardbeg.com and at select stores and Ardbeg Embassies across the UK from 24 March, priced at £14 for a four-pack.

14 March 2020 - Bethany Whymark