Ardbeg Spectacular is the Islay distillery’s first whisky aged in Port casks
Each year on the the final Saturday of Fèis Ìle–the Islay Whisky Festival–whiskymakers Ardbeg celebrate Ardbeg Day (June 1, 2024). The day is a celebration of all the brand’s eccentricities that usually includes the release of a somewhat rare and always intriguing experimental whisky. This year will be no different as the distillery will unveil Ardbeg Spectacular, its first single malt aged in port casks.
Matured in Port wine casks and ex-Bourbon barrels, Ardbeg Spectacular offers aromas of candied fruit, incense candles, and smoked pecans. The palate delivers a dark chocolate richness along with notes of mint and leather. Therefore, the result is a Scotch that is deep, dark, and dynamic.
Inspired by the new Islay single malt and its “deep, dark cavalcade of flavors,” this year’s Ardbeg Day theme is a “Dark Circus.” For one day only, fans can head to the distillery or local events. There they will be able to delve into an offbeat and smoky Ardbeggian take on the circus through tastings, games and an “extravaganza of peaty delights.”
Celebrate our whisky in the most spectacular style
“Ardbeg Spectacular is a high-flying spirit, very befitting of Ardbeg Day,” says Gillian Macdonald, Ardbeg Master Blender. “Its years in bourbon and port casks create a spectacle of flavors, the like of which Ardbeggians have never tasted before. We invite fans to roll up and feast their palates on its peculiar notes of mint chocolate, incense, lavender and smoked nuts, set off by a daring double act of salted caramel and tar. Like the finest performances in the circus ring, this is a whisky not to be missed.”
Jackie Thomson, Distillery Visitor Centre Manager and Ringmaster Extraordinaire, adds: “This Ardbeg Day we will celebrate our whisky in the most spectacular style – from this new limited edition, to our core range favorites like Ardbeg Ten Years Old. I’m looking forward to entering into the spirit of the circus with fans at the Distillery, online and across the globe on 1st June, as we come together to juggle big, bold smoky flavors and marvel at the phenolic phenomenon that is Ardbeg!”
Previous Ardbeg Day releases include Heavy Vapours and Ardcore.
Ardbeg Spectacular will be available to buy worldwide from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers, and from the Distillery Visitor Centre. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website. To learn more about Fèis Ìle, head over to its official page.