Ardbeg

The most peat-smoked distillery on Islay -- an island of eight distilleries off Scotland's west coast known for producing the most intensely flavored Scotch whiskies in the world -- Ardbeg was founded in 1815 and has spent periods of closure that near-mythologized its already intense character. Its Ten Year Old expression consistently tops international whisky competitions, and Ardbeg Day, held annually at the distillery, draws enthusiasts from 50 countries.