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Held annually on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg.
This year, festivities will take place on Saturday 1 June - under a circus theme - as Ardbeg marks the occasion with one of its most eclectic experiments to date – Ardbeg Spectacular.
The distillery’s first whisky aged in port casks, this limited edition whisky showcases a spectacle of flavours never before tasted at Ardbeg.
The whisky has been wholly matured in port barrels which brings a richness and an acrobatic twist of colour to the Islay malt.
Other tasting notes include dark chocolate, mint, aromas of candied fruit, incense candles and smoked pecans swing.
Taking inspiration from the whisky’s deep, dark cavalcade of flavours — as sensational as any carnival act — the Islay single malt is inviting fans to join its very own “Dark Circus” on Ardbeg Day.
Gillian Macdonald, Ardbeg Master Blender, said: “Ardbeg Spectacular is a high-flying spirit, very befitting of Ardbeg Day. Its years in bourbon and port casks create a spectacle of flavours, the like of which Ardbeggians will never have 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 added: “This Ardbeg Day we will celebrate our whisky in the most spectacular style – from this new limited edition, to our core range favourites 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 flavours and marvel at the phenolic phenomenon that is Ardbeg.”
Ardbeg Spectacular is available in the UK for £110, but we've found it at Hard to Find Whisky priced at £99.95. You can buy it here.
For more news on Ardbeg Day 2024 and events near them, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee.
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