Ardbeg Scotch launches second expression in Anthology Collection

Based on the Scottish island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, Ardbeg Distillery has released the second term in its Anthology Collection, a series of unique single malts that merge traditional Ardbeg style with experimental maturation processes.

Based on the Scottish isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, Ardbeg Distillery has introduced the second expression in its Anthology Collection, a series of unique single malts that blend traditional Ardbeg style with experimental maturation techniques.

The Unicorn’s Tale: A Unique Maturation Process

The new release, Ardbeg Anthology: The Unicorn’s Tale, is a 14-year-old single malt Scotch whisky. It has been aged in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Madeira wine casks, an unusual maturation process that promises a complex flavor profile.

Tasting notes report aromas of baked banana bread, tropical fruits, and aromatic smoke on the nose, followed by flavors of lime, peach, and peaty smoke on the palate.

Mythological Inspiration and Unique Terroir

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The Anthology Collection draws inspiration from mythological creatures, with each whisky named and packaged after a different mythical being purportedly seen on Islay.

The windswept island off Scotland’s west coast is renowned for its peaty, smoky whiskies. Islay’s unique terroir, characterized by fertile soil and proximity to the sea, contributes to the distinct flavor profiles of its whiskies.

Traditional Methods and Robust Character

Islay’s distilleries, many of which are centuries old, use traditional production methods, including floor malting barley over peat fires and distilling in copper pot stills.

This combination of natural elements and time-honored techniques results in whiskies celebrated for their robust character and complex aromas of smoke, seaweed, and spice.

Ardbeg’s latest release, The Unicorn’s Tale, continues this tradition, offering whisky enthusiasts a taste of Islay’s rich heritage blended with innovative maturation techniques.