An Islay distillery known for smoky malt, Ardbeg has unveiled the first experimental release in its new Anthology Collection — Ardbeg Anthology: The Harpy’s Tale.
This whisky aged for 13 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and Sauternes wine casks, creating a balance between big smoke and rich sweetness, the company reports.
In homage to this “hybrid” style, the packaging references the half-human, half-bird Harpy, from ancient mythology.
The Harpy’s Tale is the inaugural whisky in the new Anthology Collection, a range of experimental single malts that will mature Ardbegs in cask types new to the distillery.
“We have embarked on a bold maturation experiment to fuse Ardbeg’s signature smokiness with more nuanced, sweeter notes for our new release,” says Dr. Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation. “This is a dram that represents a battle between sweet and smoke, one I believe fans are yet to experience in an Ardbeg dram, and one that I’m sure they will be excited to taste for themselves.
“Collectively, the whiskies in the Anthology Collection will form a legendary, perfectly balanced and delicious series of rare and unusual Ardbegs, rich in both lore and taste,” Lumsden adds. “We look forward to revealing more in the collection in the near future.”
Ardbeg Anthology: The Harpy’s Tale is 46% ABV.
The suggested retail price is $164.99 per 750-ml. bottle. It will be available for purchase on ReserveBar.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, at the Distillery Visitor Center on Islay and at selected retailers.
This follows the release of Ardbeg Hypernova.
