New Ardbeg 15 years old Anthology (and Napa stuff)
The Beithir’s Tale is the name of the new Ardbeg expression in the Anthology series. We had a 13 and a 14 years old before, and the 2025 expression comes with a new story and another year added to the maturation. We now get, you guessed it, a 15 years old! It is always nice to get an Ardbeg with an age statement, and indeed have we seen more of those in the last couple of years. The Traigh Bhan series of 19 years old, for instance, or the resurrected version of the popular Ardbeg 17 from years ago. On this blog we also tasted some Twenty Something expressions. We rather liked the previous instalments in the Anthology series, and we are curious to the next one. As I understand, this is also the final release in the series. We will skip the stories, we are more about the whisky, so here goes. But let us do a warmup first, since we always have enough Ardbeg samples in our drawer.
Ardbeg Smoketrails, Napa Valley Edition, bottled at 46 % abv
First things first: Big bottles of Ardbeg, these come in 1 litre glassware. Ardbeg NAS matured in Cabernet Sauvignon and bourbon casks. Also a third instalment, just like the Beithir’s Tale, following a manzanilla and a Côte Rôtie expressions. Names that give us shivers, but maybe this wine treatment gives new insights? I visited Napa Valley way back in 2011, lovely country, and excellent wine makers.
Upon Sipping: The whiff of smoke floating into my living room as I pour the sample promises a lot of Islay character. I am already happy! When I stick my nose in the glass, I am not disappointed. Ardbeg works well on young age. The bourbon casks have lifted the peated character on a shield. It is a distinct signature on this expression too. In the background lurks the footprint of the wine though. Layers of ozone and then usual suspects like redcurrant and forest berries. As always, I do not mind nosing wine influenced whisky. The drinking is more often the problem. I can confirm that this Ardbeg Smoketrails is no exception. This is basically a Wee Beastie (at 5 years old) with a bit more lipstick on. The tannins create a bitterness that is not really pleasing, as it is also infused with a sour note. On the finish, it becomes dirty even, like drinking cigar ashes from your ash tray that you accidentally left outside overnight, and the rain filled the glasswork to the brim. Yes, rainwater and ashes.
Word to the Wise: For Islay masochists that enjoy ashes in their whisky. It is outlandish but on the other hand I do not think the Islay character is lost on this one. I have tasted expressions like Jack Wiebers’ Classic of Islay that actually are not far removed from this style. The nose is great.
Score: 82 points.
Ardbeg 15 years old, The Beithir’s Tale, bottled at 46 % bv
First things first: Matured in “special designer charred bourbon casks”. We have seen this variation before, so it should give a little bit more bite to the already toothy Ardbeg peat.
Upon Sipping: The nose promises a very straightforward, no fuss Ardbeg. We love that style. Medicinal sweet. When I poured the whisky in the glass, I instantly thought of the dentist waiting room, where somebody with a floral perfume is also waiting for an appointment. Vanilla smoke, drying fishnets and light sand on your skin after tanning on the beach while forgetting to put on enough sun protection lotion. Very pure and crystalline. The taste presents a sharp edge, digging like saw teeth into your tongue. The peat flavours of smoke and ashes are still very strong and vibrant after 15 years in the cask. I am happy that these classic Ardbeg characteristics are shining so brightly, not hindered by cask influences outstaying their welcome. This is just bloody perfect.
This Ardbeg does not need water, but when you kick it over the edge of the pool, it will swim like a champion. With water, more traditional peat lemons surface, and the peat smoke gives a bitter edge to the total sum of Islay character. Some ashes linger in the background long after swallowing, while you look into the beautiful eyes of the dentist hovering above you.
Word to the Wise: Reading some reactions here and there on this Ardbeg, it is almost controversial in its simplicity. I think most people won’t get the point of this bottling.
The point is, at this age, the Ardbeg sweetness comes in more and more, while the peat gets more tranquil. You are drinking a quintessential Ardbeg here, and what is more, this 15 years old fits in. Draw a straight line from the 5 to the 10, to this one, and then onwards to the 17 and 19 years old Traigh Bhan, and you will see the progression. It is a beautiful road to follow.
Score: 88 points.