It was with great sadness that me and my friends on our group (BMWC)read in the Scottish press of the intended closure of Ardbeg distillery. It is owned by the same company that owns Laphroaig. That magical 2 mile strip of road on the south coast of Islay was in our opinion, home to the 3 finest malts in the world - West to East : Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Arbeg. These are all colossal malts, huge phenolic (barley heavily peated at around 50ppm) - massive drams the lot. Ardbeg is perhaps the most difficult, complex, demanding and wonderful of the three. It is definitely not a beginners dram unless you are very adventurous but again to try it is very rewarding. More and more distillery closures are announced every year. Part of Scotland's heritage and history is disappearing with each closure. On Islay, where there were once 8 in operation (7 in 1994), now Bruichladdich, Port Ellen and Ardbeg have stopped producing. This leaves Laphroaig, Bunnahabhain, Bowmore, Caol Ila & Lagavulin still active. All will of course continue to be available from specialist outlets for many years to come but once gone they are irreplaceable. Let's hope that Ardbeg is only mothballed (again) and may have a producing future. Recent production, in common with many Islay distilleries used the Port Ellen Maltings (not so Laphroaig, I should add) but let us hope that the Ardbeg stills are not cold for good. Anymore info. on this issue ? Also Mr. Henderson can Ardbeg or Laphroaig casks be purchased individually ?