Distillery/Brand

Ardbeg

Classification

Scotch Whisky

Region

Islay

Style

Single Malt

Size

70cl

ABV

51.7%

Distilled at the Ardbeg distillery on Islay, this release was bottled and released online for the Feis Ile 2021 festival which once again was cancelled. This expression has been matured in heavy charred ex-bourbon American oak casks for an undisclosed length of time before being bottled at a strength of 46% abv.

Released in celebration of Ardbeg Day 2024, the Islay distillery present a spectacle of showstopping flavours – a whisky that exhibits all manner of peculiar notes and flavours. Rare port wine barrels have been used to mature the liquid, bringing a devilishly sweet side to the typically smoky Ardbeg, before being married in classic bourbon casks. Bottled at 46% abv.

The nose is curiously perfumed and aromatic, with top notes of lavender, vetiver and incense coming before deeper touches of leather, almond, peat moss and wood smoke. Huge salty and smoky flavours on the palate, alongside eucalyptus, salted caramel, smoked pecan nuts, fragrant woodsmoke, creosote and tar, before a lingering finish  with a cooling menthol sensation.

 

Capturing the essence of Traigh Bhan beach, in which soft white sands are pierced by jagged volcanic rocks, this is the fifth batch of this cult Ardbeg bottling. Bottled in humidity and matured in oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, this small batch 19 year-old Ardbeg is arguably the most tropical dram to leave the distillery. Presented at 46.2% abv.

Notes of fresh green peppers, smoked mango and guava mingle with maple bacon on the perfumed nose. A deep smokiness gives waves of aniseed, burnt heather and spiced chive. A satisfyingly long, sizzling finish brings with it notes of warm toffee fudge, more tropical notes and smoked butter.

The second release in a limited series of luxury bottlings exploring ages, maturation casks, abv and volume, this 24 Year Old Ardbeg Vintage Y2K was laid down way back in the year 2000, in the frenzied celebrations of the new millennium. Talk about a serendipitous dram for a special occasion!

The liquid was matured in bourbon casks, with a portion finished in amontillado sherry casks to be finished – a first for Ardbeg!

Bottled at a custom abv of 47.8% you can expect a nose of deep, pungent spice mixed with beautiful notes of creamy toffee, flowering blackcurrants, creosote, coal tar soap, antique leather and almond nuts, with a splash of water, hints of charcoal, graphite and damp moss emerge, along with a distinct sooty note. The palate is reminiscent of those millennium celebratory fireworks, with a burst of deep intense, smoky flavours – coal tar mingles with woodsmoke, while antiseptic lozenges meet bonfire embers. The Amontillado sherry casks are present, albeit in the background, with subtle notes of toffee, leather, cinnamon and clove. The close brings long, lingering notes of menthol, eucalyptus, linseed oil and charcoal.

Part of the distillery’s Ultimate Range, Ardbeg Wee Beastie is a feisty and fiery dram, and the youngest whisky that Ardbeg has ever made. Wee Beastie is the result of Ardbeg’s whisky creators setting out to make the rawest, smokiest Ardbeg ever. This expression is free from chill-filtration and has been bottled at 47.4% abv. 

The result? A young and intensely smoky whisky. Intense aromas of cracked blacked pepper mingle with sappy pine resin and a sharp tang of smoke. Chocolate, creosote and tar burst on the palate, followed by savoury meats and a long and salty mouthcoating finish.

Another soon-to-be smash hit from new players on the Scotch whisky scene, Ardnahoe, this Ardnahoe 5 Year Old Cask Strength liquid was exclusively matured in first-fill bourbon barrels. 

Bottled at 60.9% abv, you can expect a nose of coastal brine, earthy peat and rich cocoa. The palate follows smoothly on with notes of orchard fruits, herbal teas, and salted caramel, all folding gently into a citrus and smoke finish. 

Ardnahoe Bholsa is an exceptional whisky is predominantly matured in Oloroso sherry casks and is bottled with no artificial colouring or chill-filtration, ensuring a pure and authentic experience. With an ABV of 50% and presented in a 70cl bottle, this whisky delivers a full-bodied, memorable flavour profile.

On the nose, it offers a rich blend of smoky peat, raisins, and the sweet influence of Oloroso sherry, complemented by vibrant notes of orange zest and walnuts. The palate is indulgent, with luscious ripe plums and dates, balanced by the distinctive warmth of Islay peat. The finish is long and peppery, leaving a lingering sherried character.

This limited-edition release showcases 100% unpeated Golden Promise malted barley, matured exclusively in ex-American bourbon barrels filled in 2018. Bottled at a bold 59.2% ABV, and presented with natural colour and no chill filtration, it captures the spirit of small-batch production with depth, texture and character to spare.

The nose opens with milk chocolate digestive biscuits, glacé cherries, lime cordial, a soft dusting of icing sugar on marzipan, and apricot jam. The palate is chewy with an oily mouthfeel, while the marzipan theme continues, with sugared almonds. The finish is oily, luscious and well-balanced, with traces of soft orchard fruit, a sweet nuttiness and the last sip of espresso.

Distillery/Brand

Ardnamurchan

Classification

Scotch Whisky

Region

Highland

Style

Single Malt

Size

70cl

ABV

58.70%