After more than two decades of anticipation, Ardbeg has unveiled the most requested whisky in its history: a cask-strength edition of Ardbeg Ten. Created in response to persistent calls from the distillery’s fiercely loyal fanbase – the Ardbeg Committee – this landmark release elevates the classic 10-year-old single malt to an entirely new level of intensity.
Matured in hand-selected American oak ex-bourbon casks, including experimental barrels filled with spirit at an unusually high strength, this bottling delivers Ardbeg Ten in its most powerful form yet. Bottled at 61.7% ABV, it is the highest-strength Committee Release ever produced, amplifying the distillery’s unmistakable smoky, peaty character without dilution.
Crafted on the remote island of Islay for more than 200 years, Ardbeg is revered as one of the world’s smokiest single malt whiskies. Its flagship Ten has long been regarded by Committee members as the definitive expression of the distillery’s style. A cask-strength version has topped wish lists since a highly limited and now legendary Japanese-only release in 2003.
Responding to this long-standing demand, Ardbeg’s whisky creators, led by Dr Bill Lumsden, carefully selected a small number of exceptional casks to create a whisky of remarkable depth and power. The result is a dram bursting with tar, sea spray and coastal smoke, balanced by sweetness, spice and citrus, delivering an unforgettable intensity while remaining unmistakably Ardbeg.
This historic release is also the first Committee edition introduced under the leadership of new Co-Chairs, Master Blender Gillian MacDonald and Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven. Gillian described the whisky as a celebration of Ardbeg’s classic style, intensified through higher-strength cask filling, revealing aromas of toffee, tar, fennel and sea spray, with sweet, sooty flavours of peat moss, malt and smoked cinnamon.
Bryony McNiven added that Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength is “arguably one of the most wanted Ardbegs ever,” praising its balance of wood smoke, citrus sweetness and salt.
Released exclusively for members of the Ardbeg Committee, Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength will be available online from 24 February 2026 via ardbeg.com, with an RRP of £75. A limited number of bottles will also be available to purchase directly at the distillery on Islay.
Membership of the Ardbeg Committee is free and open to all fans at ardbeg.com/committee.
