Ardbeg, renowned for its distinctive Islay single malt whisky, proudly announces the release of its latest creation, The Unicorn’s Tale. This intriguing 14-year-old single malt is the second installment in Ardbeg’s Anthology Collection, a series dedicated to rare and unusual malts that merge classic Ardbeg with experimental aging techniques.
Unique Marriage of Casks
The Unicorn’s Tale stands out as Ardbeg’s first whisky matured in a blend of Madeira wine casks and bourbon casks. This innovative combination results in a whisky that delivers powerful bursts of smoke interwoven with notes of banana, menthol, and lime. The blend of these casks creates a symphony of flavors, offering a sweet, fruity, and aromatic profile that complements Ardbeg’s signature smoky essence.
Mythological Inspiration
The Anthology Collection draws inspiration from mythological creatures, reflecting the outlandish and hybrid nature of these unique malts. Each release in the series is named and packaged after a different mythical being, paying homage to the folklore that surrounds Islay. The Unicorn’s Tale, like its predecessor The Harpy’s Tale, embodies the spirit of these legendary creatures, blending tradition with innovation.
Expert Craftsmanship
Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, describes the creation process: “At Ardbeg, we relish the opportunity to push the boundaries of our spirit’s smoky balance. By experimenting with unusual cask types, we’ve crafted sweet and smoky hybrids that explore new flavor territories. The Unicorn’s Tale, our second release in the Anthology Collection, marries classic Ardbeg matured in bourbon casks with whisky aged in sweet Madeira wine casks. The result is a whisky bursting with tropical fruit and banana bread notes, combined with camphor, lime zest, and our hallmark wood smoke.”
Availability and Pricing
Ardbeg Anthology: The Unicorn’s Tale is bottled at 46% ABV and is priced at £130. This limited edition release will be available for purchase on Ardbeg’s official website, at Ardbeg Embassies, the Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay, and selected whisky specialists.
