Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky has unveiled the first permanent 15-year-old to its core range, Ardbeg Trudernish.
Inspired by the ancient settlement of Trudernish on Islay’s “Enchanted Cape”, this whisky is aged in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks. Its release, which has already been recognised with a Double Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026, comes as Ardbeg reveals a new look for its entire core range, to be rolled out globally from autumn 2026. The bold designs playfully bring to life the unique stories and flavours of each dram.
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According to the legends of the Enchanted Cape, the pure water of the well at Trudernish (which is notoriously hard to find) never freezes over. Like the quest in search of the Trudernish well, this 15-year-old Ardbeg transports drinkers to Islay, revealing creamy flavours hidden beneath its smoky exterior.
Seeking a rich new dimension to Ardbeg’s peaty liquid, Ardbeg’s whisky makers matured their smoky, balanced spirit in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks over 15 years, for mellow creaminess and softer smoke.
The official tasting notes say: “a trace of earthy peat flits from the glass, as aromas of woodsmoke drift across dried herbs and chocolate lime. Tastes of vanilla and nuts are folded into decadent notes of creamy fudge sauce. The whisky’s harmony of flavours is enhanced by its ABV of 48.8%.”
'We wanted to bring joy' inside Ardbeg House on Islay - a whisky and design lovers dream
The packaging for Ardbeg Trudernish showcases a distinctive new look for the distillery’s bottlings – to be rolled out across the brand’s entire core range. The presentation boxes and labels stand out in Ardbeg’s classic black, with each expression now differentiated by its own earthy accent colour. In a nod to Ardbeg’s Celtic heritage, whimsical woodcut-style illustrations depict every whisky’s individual story, alongside its cask recipe and an evocative flavour snapshot.
Ardbeg’s director of whisky creation Dr Bill Lumsden MBE said: “A new whisky is always a momentous occasion at Ardbeg – and our first permanent 15-year-old, Ardbeg Trudernish, is truly one to celebrate. Aged in a combination of bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks, our spirit’s signature smokiness is brilliantly mellowed by rich, creamy flavours, softened with age.
Read more: Ardbeg to release Ardbeg Dolce whisky matured in Marsala casks for Feis Ile 2026
“You’ll find aromas of peat and woodsmoke engulfed in melted vanilla ice cream. There are tastes of peat, dark liquorice and nuts wrapped in milk chocolate and a long smoky finish. A silky thread of vanilla runs throughout. I guarantee this whisky’s take on Ardbeg’s peaty paradox will charm smoky malt lovers everywhere.”
Ardbeg distillery manager Bryony McNiven said: “Ardbeg Trudernish is the perfect dram to toast Ardbeg’s new look. Our core range is brimming with the stories and flavours of Islay – from our classic Ardbeg Ten, to the dark and mysterious depths of Ardbeg Uigeadail. These striking new designs will make it easier than ever to explore each one – and perhaps discover new favourites… such as Ardbeg Trudernish!”
Ardbeg Trudernish (48.8% ABV) RRP £80 is available to purchase from Ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, the Distillery Visitor Centre, and specialist retailers from autumn 2026.
