Ardbeg Anthology Islay Single Malt 15 Year

The “Ardbeg Anthology Islay Single Malt 15 Year” refers to Ardbeg Anthology: The Beithir’s Tale, a limited-edition, 15-year-old single malt released in 2025. It is the third and final installment in Ardbeg’s Anthology series, a collection of experimental whiskies inspired by Scottish myths

Product overview

• Release name: Ardbeg Anthology: The Beithir’s Tale. The name references a serpent-like creature from Scottish folklore said to have entered the distillery.
• Release year: 2025, with news of its final release announced in August.
• Cask maturation: For the first time, Ardbeg used specially designed charred bourbon casks for full maturation. These casks were air-seasoned, heavily toasted, and then lightly charred.
• Awards: The expression received a Gold Outstanding (98 points) at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2025 and a Gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge

Tasting notes

• Color: Pale straw.
• Nose: Pungent, oily, and spicy, with notes of treacle, creosote, and smoked herbs. Toasted apples, raisins, and honey appear, with hints of eucalyptus, menthol, fennel, and pine when water is added.
• Palate: A sizzling and dynamic texture with prominent peat smoke, coffee grounds, and currants. It also features sweeter notes of lemon balm, smoked mandarin, and vanilla.
• Finish: Long and lingering, with flavors of vanilla and smoked butter over earthy peat and spicy tang.