Ardbeg Anthology 15 Years The Beithir’s Tale Release 70 cl. 46%

Ardbeg Anthology: The Beithir’s Tale is the final chapter in Ardbeg’s Anthology series—a trio of limited releases in which the distillery explores a softer, more “sweet-smoky” side of its classic Islay style. Here, Ardbeg’s signature peat smoke meets an unusually creamy, rounded profile, shaped by a more experimental cask approach than you’d typically expect from the house.

This is a 15-year-old whisky matured in specially selected “designer” bourbon casks. The casks are air-dried, heavily toasted, then lightly charred, with the aim of drawing out richer sweetness, vanilla and gentle spice—without losing Ardbeg’s smoky edge. The result is a dram that feels oily, aromatic and deep, yet notably smooth in texture for an Ardbeg.

On the nose you’ll find dense smoke, tar/creosote and herbs, alongside a sweeter side of roasted fruit, raisins and a buttery, almost dessert-like note. The palate builds with peat smoke, coffee and dark berry tones, followed by citrus balm, spiced herbs and a long, warming finish where vanilla, oak spice and a lingering thread of menthol freshness hang on. It’s excellent neat, but also takes a small splash of water well, which can open up more of the herbal and citrus-led nuances.

The producer

Ardbeg is one of Islay’s most iconic distilleries, renowned for its powerful, medicinal-leaning smoke alongside an intense, fruit-driven core. Long a reference point for peat lovers, Ardbeg also leans into storytelling with many of its limited releases. The Anthology series is a great example of how the distillery can stretch its house style through cask selection and maturation—while still holding onto its unmistakable Islay identity.