Welcome To The Whiskey Wash Ardbeg Cheque Archive
This collection of cheques from the Ardbeg Distillery were issued from 1923 to 1926 when Colin E Hay held the license to the distillery. The collection represents a significant archival treasure not only for Ardbeg, but also for the broader narrative of scotch whisky and Scottish history in general.
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History
Alexander McDougall & Co Ltd may be the name on the cheques, however the last of the McDougall’s had passed away in 1953 and it was just their name that was left. The license to the distillery passed to Colin Hay, who trained his son in the art of distilling in time for Colin the younger to inherit the license in 1900. Although the lease to the Ardbeg farm itself is understood to have changed hands in 1922, Colin E Hay remained in charge, as evidenced by his signature on many of the cheques.
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The cheques from this period vary from small amounts to substantial sums and represent various operational costs, including raw materials, wages, and perhaps even expansions or repairs. It provides insights into the cash flow and financial decisions within one of Islay’s most iconic distilleries.
These cheques also mark a pivotal point in Ardbeg’s history, as in 1928 Colin E Hay passed away. Within 12 months the new tenants were bankrupt, and this marked the start of a turbulent few decades for the iconic Islay distillery. This archival collection of cheques from the successful 1920s era thus serves as a window into the financial undertakings that helped sustain and shape Ardbeg, enriching our appreciation of its storied past and its enduring legacy in the world of scotch whisky.
Creative Commons Licensing
This collection of cheques from the Ardbeg Distillery during the Colin E Hay era is released under Creative Commons licensing. You are free to use, share, and adapt this material as you see fit, provided you adhere to the terms of the license which encourages the open and communal use of creative works. This initiative aims to enrich public knowledge and foster a deeper appreciation for the history of scotch whisky through accessible archival resource.
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