Mickey originally joined in 2007, when Ardbeg was in a very different place, having been saved from extinction by The Glenmorangie Company only a decade previously.
Islay native Mickey helped to lead the brand's resurgence building it into the global brand with a massive loyal following that people know and love today.
This great work saw Mickey singled out as Distillery Manager of the Year at respected industry awards in 2014.
In honour of the distillery manager's decade of dedication to Ardbeg, the Distillery is calling on smoky malt whisky fans to join in a worldwide three cheers, with a nose, taste and toast of their favourite expression, be it Ardbeg Ten Years Old, Ardbeg Uigeadail or Ardbeg Corryvreckan.
Ardbeg fans are invited to film and share their cheers with the hashtag #3cheers, to be part of a special anniversary surprise for Mickey which the Distillery is keeping under wraps for now.
On Islay, Mickey is holding some anniversary tastings of his own.
In Ardbeg’s first official tasting videos, he will nose, taste and toast Ardbeg’s three Ultimate whiskies, giving his insight into the expressions that Islay’s wilderness has inspired.
Mickey, who also chairs Ardbeg’s loyal fan club, the Committee, said: “I’ve loved every minute of my years at Ardbeg. The Distillery has grown stronger and stronger in the past decade, and today its untamed spirit is enjoyed by Ardbeggians around the globe.
"Here on Islay, I’ll be raising a glass of Ardbeg to celebrate how far we’ve come. I hope Ardbeggians will join me to toast The Ultimate Islay Malt. Sláinte!”
