Ardbeg 10 Year Old Cask Strength 2026 - 70cl/61.7%

Ardbeg Distillery, situated on Islay's rugged south coast near Lagavulin and Laphroaig, was founded in 1815 by John MacDougall, with illicit distillation roots dating earlier. The distillery faced multiple closures, with production halting in 1981 and resuming limitedly until full revival in 1997 when acquired by The Glenmorangie Company (now under LVMH). Known for producing the most phenolic malt on Islay (around 55 ppm), Ardbeg uses malted barley from Port Ellen, traditional long fermentation and slow distillation in its unique stills, creating intensely peaty whiskies that have become a cult favorite worldwide.

Ardbeg 10 Year Old Cask Strength 2026 is the highly anticipated Ardbeg Committee Release, a cask-strength edition of the iconic Ten Years Old. Matured exclusively in ex-bourbon American oak barrels for a full decade and bottled at a powerful 61.7% ABV without chill-filtration. This limited edition intensifies the classic peaty profile, delivering richer smoke and sea spray with natural sweetness, fulfilling long-standing fan requests for a higher-proof Ardbeg Ten. Non-chill filtered for maximum intensity.

Nosing: Intense and earthy with rich peat smoke, tar, creosote, sea spray, coffee grounds and toffee; subtle vanilla, lime zest, fennel seeds and bonfire embers.

Palate: Mouth-filling and spicy; surprising sweetness of smoked cinnamon and paprika, followed by enormous waves of soot, tar, peat moss and woodsmoke, balanced by gentle malty biscuit notes.

Finish: Long, mentholic and cooling with eucalyptus, antiseptic lozenges, lingering ash and salty seaweed.