Welcome To The Whiskey Wash Ardbeg Distillery Cheque Archive
Step back in time with The Whiskey Wash’s exclusive Ardbeg Distillery Cheque Archive. We have compiled and created high-resolution scans of hundreds of century-old cheques issued by the Ardbeg Distillery in order to reveal the inner workings of a whisky legend.
This unique collection offers a rare glimpse into Ardbeg’s operations during the 1920s when the distillery was under the management of Colin E Hay. These financial records reveal daily life on Islay over 100 years ago and provide insights into the early history of one of the world’s most iconic scotch whisky distilleries.
Ardbeg Archive: 1923The Ardbeg Distillery Cheque Archive begins in 1923. Ardbeg had been in the hands of Colin Hay since 1900. Hay learned distilling at the Ardbeg distillery from his father, who had inherited the license for the distillery on the death of the McDougall’s in 1853. In 1923 Ardbeg was navigating the challenges of post-WWI recovery and while the US enjoyed the roaring twenties’ boom, the UK grappled with unemployment and social unrest.
Ardbeg Archive: 1924In 1924 economic prosperity continued in the US, by contrast in the UK the first Labour government was elected in response to continuing economic challenges. At the Ardbeg distillery whisky making continued, as shown by the cheque dated 7th January 1924. These financial records offer a glimpse into its day-to-day running during 1924, showcasing the resilience of Islay’s whisky industry amidst a changing world.
Ardbeg Archive: 1925The UK returned to the Gold Standard in 1925, which was expected to be key in the recovery of the UK economy. Unfortunately it also impacted exports, which would go on to have further consequences. The Cheque Archive provide a unique window into Ardbeg’s financial dealings, including a cheque for payment of wages on 11 April.
Ardbeg Archive: 1926The final year covered by the Ardbeg Cheque Archive is 1926; a year also marked by the UK’s General Strike and ongoing economic struggles. The cheques show and preserve the history of Ardbeg’s operations, and also of other companies, such as through payments to The Scottish Oil Company (March 23rd 1926) and White Horse Distillers (Sept 8th 1926). The collection of snapshots into Ardbeg’s spending in the 1920s reflect both the distillery’s determination and the enduring appeal of its whisky.
