Tasted #710: Ardbeg Dolce (Ardbeg Day 2026)

Yep, it's that time of year again - when Ardbeg release something whacky/unusual/fun (often all 3) to mark the annual celebration known as Ardbeg Day, now in it's 15th year (hard to believe it's been 15 years since that first Aussie celebration at Milsons' Point - time flies)!

This year’s release is “Ardbeg Dolce”, and as we announced on Instagram, Aussies were one of the first in the world to get access to it via a 24hr preview from Thursday 30 April via the Ardbeg Committee, then exclusively through @thewhiskyclub.com.au from Friday 1 May.

Ardbeg Dolce’s uniqueness comes from cask finishing (like previous Ardbeg Day releases) - this year, it’s Marsala casks, which previously held some of Sicily’s sweetest fortified wine. 

My tasting notes on the new release are below, but of course, Ardbeg Day isn’t just a whisky release - it’s first and foremost a celebration! Ardbeg Day itself (Sat 30 May) is being reimagined as PEAT-ZZERIA across Australia’s Ardbeg Embassies — think woodfired pizzas & peat at Silvers Motel (with Dr Bill Lumsden in person no less!), Whisky and Alement, The Gresham, Foxtrot Unicorn, Malt n Juniper and Volstead Repeal. Tickets available now (link).

 

Ardbeg Dolce (Ardbeg Day 2026) (47.8% ABV, Single Malt, NAS, Marsala Cask Finish, Islay, Scotland, $180AUD)

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Colour: Light golden copper

Nose: Sweet but herbal up front, almost lavender-esque. The traditional Ardbeg peat is absolutely still there for those who want it, but it sits underneath some lovely earthy undertones.

Palate: Follows the nose faithfully, with the herbal/floral character carrying through, but now joined by some fresh peach, a hit of salinity, cinnamon-tinged smoke, pot pourri and dried apricot. The Marsala influence is doing some solid work here without overpowering the spirit.

Finish: Long and sweet, with the peat lingering well past the sweetness (as you might expect).

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 90/100 (Martin). Another enjoyable release and very fitting of Ardbeg Day. The Marsala finish brings something genuinely different to the table, and the 47.8% keeps it interesting for whisky enthusiasts, whilst remaining accessible.

Cheers,
Martin.

Note: In the interests of transparency, Dolce was reviewed as part of a paid engagement with Ardbeg, although as always views above are honest, unadulterated, and purely our own.