Ardbeg Distillery, renowned for its rich, smoky single malts, has added a new gem to its innovative Anthology Collection with the release of The Unicorn’s Tale. This release is the second in the series, following The Harpy’s Tale, which launched in August 2023. The Anthology Collection is Ardbeg’s experimental line, where traditional Ardbeg flavors meet unconventional cask maturation, resulting in unique and captivating expressions.
Image credit: Ardbeg
The Unicorn’s Tale is a 14-year-old single malt whisky that has been aged in a blend of Malmsey Madeira wine casks and bourbon casks. This combination has created a whisky with an intriguing balance of sweetness and smoke. On the palate, one can expect to find notes of banana, menthol, and lime, intertwined with Ardbeg’s hallmark flavors of camphor, lime zest, and wood smoke. The whisky’s aroma and flavor profile are designed to take drinkers on a sensory journey, offering both familiar and unexpected elements.
Priced at £130 (US$164) and bottled at 46% ABV, The Unicorn’s Tale is now available for purchase on Ardbeg’s website, at their visitor center in Islay, and through selected whisky retailers. This pricing and availability make it accessible to whisky enthusiasts eager to explore Ardbeg’s latest creation.
Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, played a pivotal role in developing The Unicorn’s Tale. Dr. Lumsden is known for his innovative approach to whisky making, often pushing the boundaries of traditional methods to discover new flavor profiles. He explained that the Anthology Collection was born out of a desire to experiment with how Ardbeg’s signature smoky spirit could be complemented by various cask types. By maturing Ardbeg whisky in unusual casks, the distillery has been able to create what Dr. Lumsden describes as “sweet and smoky hybrids.”
Image credit: Ardbeg
“The Unicorn’s Tale is the result of marrying classic Ardbeg matured in bourbon casks with a parcel of whisky wholly matured in sweet Madeira wine casks,” said Dr. Lumsden. “The outcome is a whisky bursting with notes of banana bread and tropical fruit, fused with Ardbeg’s hallmark flavors of camphor, lime zest, and wood smoke. This 14-year-old whisky may appear sweet in nature, but its smoky side is not to be underestimated.”
The Anthology Collection, characterized by its “rare and strange” single malts, draws inspiration from mythological creatures. Each expression in the collection is named after a different mythological being, a nod to the unique and hybrid nature of the whiskies. The Unicorn’s Tale, with its blend of tropical sweetness from the Madeira casks and the smoky intensity of Ardbeg, perfectly embodies this theme.
The inaugural release in the Anthology Collection, The Harpy’s Tale, set the stage for this series by marrying classic Ardbeg with the distillery’s first whisky aged in Sauternes sweet white wine casks. This fusion created a whisky that was both rich and complex, with a distinct sweetness that complemented the smoky notes.
Earlier this year, Ardbeg also introduced The Abyss, a highly exclusive whisky priced at €25,000 (US$27,190). This release, along with the new Vintage series, highlights the distillery’s commitment to exploring new dimensions in whisky making and offering collectors and enthusiasts unique, high-quality expressions.
For those looking to experience The Unicorn’s Tale, this limited edition whisky promises a distinctive tasting adventure. The combination of Madeira cask maturation with Ardbeg’s classic smoky profile results in a whisky that is both fruity and aromatic, yet robust and smoky. This balance of flavors makes The Unicorn’s Tale a standout addition to Ardbeg’s Anthology Collection, offering a delightful blend of tradition and innovation for whisky lovers to enjoy.
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About Ardbeg
Ardbeg is a revered and iconic name in the world of Scotch whisky, renowned for its distinctive and peaty single malt offerings. Situated on the picturesque Islay, the southernmost island of Scotland, Ardbeg has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1815. This storied distillery has weathered the test of time, evolving into a beloved brand cherished by whisky enthusiasts globally.
What sets Ardbeg apart is its unwavering commitment to crafting intensely peaty and smoky whiskies. The distillery's remote location on the rugged Islay coast exposes its whisky to the elements, infusing it with the unique character of the island's terroir. The result is a whisky known for its bold and robust flavors, characterized by powerful smokiness, maritime influences, and a hint of brine.
Ardbeg's core expressions, such as the Ardbeg 10 Year Old, serve as a testament to the distillery's mastery of peat. This flagship whisky offers a sensory journey into the heart of Islay, with notes of peat smoke, briny seaweed, and a subtle sweetness that balances the intensity.
Beyond its classic offerings, Ardbeg has gained recognition for its experimental and limited-edition releases. These expressions push the boundaries of traditional whisky-making, often incorporating unique cask finishes, maturation techniques, and flavor profiles. The result is a range of whiskies that captivate the palates of whisky connoisseurs, offering a diverse and intriguing tasting experience.
Ardbeg's commitment to innovation extends to its visitor experience. The distillery welcomes enthusiasts from around the world to explore its facilities, witness the whisky-making process, and immerse themselves in the rich history and lore of Ardbeg. The annual Ardbeg Day celebration, typically held during the Islay Festival of Music and Malt, has become a much-anticipated event for whisky aficionados.
In summary, Ardbeg is a celebrated distillery known for producing some of the boldest and most distinctive peated whiskies in the world. Its commitment to tradition, innovation, and the unique Islay environment results in a range of exceptional expressions that continue to captivate and delight whisky enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned whisky lover or just beginning your exploration of Scotch, Ardbeg offers a journey into the heart of Islay's rugged beauty and the complex flavors of its peaty spirits.
