Ardmore is the core malt for Teacher's blended whisky, built by Adam Teacher (the founder's son, who died shortly before the distillery's completion) between 1897 and 1898. This was the family's first venture into distilling to continuously supply suitable whisky for their successful 'Highland Cream' brand launched in 1884. The company would later acquire Glendronach Distillery (1960). The distillery is located deep in the Aberdeenshire countryside, between the historic villages of Spynie and Kennethmont, adjacent to the Inverness-Aberdeen railway line with a branch line to the distillery (now abandoned). In 1955, the distillery's capacity doubled to 4 stills, increasing to 8 in 1974. Direct fire distillation using coal continued until 2002. The original steam engine that provided power is still operational. Saladin boxes were used for malting until 1976. In 1976, William Teacher & Sons was acquired by Allied Breweries. The new owners never released Ardmore as a single malt, only selling small quantities to Gordon & Macphail and Cadenhead's. In 2006, when Allied was sold, the Teacher's brand along with Ardmore and Laphroaig distilleries were acquired by Beam Global (owner of Jim Beam bourbon and subsidiary of Fortune Brands). The company's Scottish whisky master Douglas Reid's father worked at Ardmore for many years, and Douglas grew up in the distillery's dormitory. They planned to implement a sustainable policy that would benefit generations, 'based on local knowledge, skills, and experience passed down through generations.' How wise! In March 2014, Japanese distiller Suntory (owner of Bowmore and other companies) acquired Beam Global for £9.8 billion, including Teacher's, Ardmore, Laphroaig, Maker's Mark, and Canadian Club.

Ardmore Highland whisky features an unusual peat phenol level of approximately 12-14ppm. The peat originates from Saint Fergus in Banff, with a style distinct from West Coast peat, exhibiting more dry, earthy characteristics. Before the invention of the cork press by William Manera Bergius, nephew of Adam Tichy, all whisky bottles required a bottle opener to access, much like today's wine bottles. Ardmore is among the last distilleries to maintain coal-fired direct flame heating for its stills. It wasn't until 2002 that they abandoned direct flame distillation in favor of indirect steam heating. Ardmore and its sister distillery Laphroaig pioneered aging in 100-liter American oak casks, commonly known as quarter casks.