There’s something about Ardbeg that always manages to capture the imagination. For a distillery that spent much of the 1980s and ’90s mothballed or only partly operational, it’s remarkable how firmly it has established itself as a cult Islay favourite since its revival in 1997. From the release of the mighty Uigeadail in 2003, to annual Ardbeg Day bottlings like Grooves and Drum, to more recent crowd-pleasers like An Oa, there’s always been an energy and playfulness around Ardbeg that matches its whisky’s intensity.
It’s also a distillery with a knack for experimentation. From its iconic pagoda-roofed kiln of a bygone era, to unusual cask finishes, and quirky Committee releases like Alligator and Supernova, Ardbeg have always kept Ardbeggians and fans alike guessing. But behind all the different Ardbeg releases, lies one of the most distinctive spirit characters, medicinal, maritime, oily, and unapologetically peaty. Which is why whenever Ardbeg steps into new cask territory, it’s always fascinating to see how that core DNA holds up — and what new dimensions emerge.
The Anthology Collection, introduced in 2023, set out to explore a “sweeter” side of Ardbeg through three different cask experiments, each inspired by a mythical beast. Having now tasted the full trilogy, it’s clear that each release plays with the smoke-sweetness balance in very different ways. The Harpy’s Tale (13yo, ex-Bourbon and Sauternes) turned out to be the brightest and most elegant, with honeyed apricot sweetness tussling against oily smoke — my pick of the series. The Unicorn’s Tale (14yo, ex-Bourbon and Madeira) veered into sharper, baked-fruit territory, with lime and peach syrup layered over smoke and spice. And finally, the Beithir’s Tale (15yo, bespoke “designer” bourbon casks) felt like the most experimental of the three — vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak richness dialled up over earthy peat.
All bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and adorned with mythical artwork, the Anthology Collection offers three distinct answers to the question: what happens when you let Ardbeg dance with sweetness?
Ardbeg 13 Year Old “The Harpy's Tale” (46% ABV, 13 Years Old, Islay, Scotland, A$240)
The first in the Anthology Collection, The Harpy’s Tale takes classic Ardbeg smoke and weaves it through the lush sweetness of Sauternes wine casks. On paper, the combination feels almost mythical — and in the glass, it doesn’t disappoint. This is a dram that flits between light and dark, sweet and savoury, all while staying unmistakably Ardbeg.
Nose: Immediately oily and herbaceous, with a salty coastal edge — brine and seaweed against the glass. Then comes a fragrant sweetness: lemon peel, honey lozenges, apricots, even a perfumed lift like dried sage leaves on a bonfire. There’s smoke here, but it’s more wispy and perfumed than the full blast you’d expect from Ten or Uigeadail.
Palate: The first sip is a little surprising — grilled capsicum and wood ash lead the charge, before that honey-lemon lozenge sweetness comes surging back through. Layers of treacle and balsamic richness develop (without the sharp acidity), interplaying with drifting bonfire smoke. It’s savoury and sweet in equal measure, with eucalyptus and charred oak lingering towards the back, dusted with peppery spice.
Finish: Long and lingering, with the embers of a fading bonfire and a persistent spiced warmth that keeps drawing you back for another sip. This is my favourite of the collection.
Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 93/100 (Hendy)
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Ardbeg 14 Year Old “The Unicorn's Tale” (46% ABV, 14 Years Old, Islay, Scotland, A$250)
The second chapter in the Anthology Collection, The Unicorn’s Tale, takes Ardbeg’s smoky DNA and pairs it with Madeira wine casks. Where the Harpy’s Tale offered a honeyed brightness from Sauternes, the Unicorn leans into a baked-fruit richness — sharper, nuttier, and just that little bit wilder. It feels like Ardbeg experimenting with sweetness once again, but from a very different angle.
Nose: Immediately rich and fruity — ripe bananas, even those nostalgic banana lollies, mixed with cinnamon scrolls and sweet wooden smoke. There’s depth too, with treacle and peanut brittle sweetness, underpinned by citrus zest and flashes of tropical guava. The peat is there, but it sits like smoke drifting through a sweet bakery window.
Palate: A surprisingly sweet and zesty arrival. Lime cordial and peach syrup coat the tongue, before warming spices of nutmeg roll in alongside vanilla slice and caramel squares. A sweet, woody undertone keeps the balance, while the spirit feels mouth-coating and almost oily. The smoke builds as it develops, wrapping the sweetness in a gentle haze of bonfire.
Finish: Long and lingering, with smoky citrus peel, plenty of ash, and a cool wave of menthol running through the aftertaste.
Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 90/100 (Hendy)
Ardbeg 15 Year Old “The Beithir’s Tale” (46% ABV, 15 Years Old, Islay, Scotland, A$255)
Arguably, the most experimental of the three. The final chapter in the Anthology Collection, The Beithir’s Tale, may just be the boldest of the three. Instead of wine finishes, Ardbeg chose to explore the limits of oak itself, working with bespoke “designer” bourbon casks — air-seasoned, heavily toasted, and lightly charred to specification. Where the Ten shows what classic bourbon casks usually bring to Ardbeg, the Beithir dials it all up a notch: richer vanilla, deeper spice, and toasted sweetness, all mixed with that unmistakable peaty backbone.
Nose: Rich and complex, opening with creme brulee and burnt sugar before a rush of menthol and eucalyptus. Pine needles and fennel add a fresh, herbal edge, while the peat smoke lurks quietly underneath. With time, baked apple pie and sultanas emerge, lending a sweet-fruited counterpoint.
Palate: Zesty and earthy on the palate, quickly becoming richer as blackcurrants, vanilla, and caramel slices coat the palate. The peat smoke undercurrent keeps everything anchored, while layers of citrus (mandarins in particular), black pepper, and a touch of liquorice add depth. It’s mouth-coating and satisfying, striking a balance between sweet oak influence and smoky savouriness.
Finish: Long and defined, leaving smoky embers, liquorice, and lingering spice. A dram that slowly fades.
Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 91/100 (Hendy)
The Beithir’s Tale feels like the boldest of the three Anthology releases — less about wine finishes, more about cask innovation and the pure interplay between Ardbeg’s spirit and oak. If the Ten is the soul of Ardbeg and Uigeadail its sherried alter-ego, the Anthology series are experimental short stories — each exploring “what if?” scenarios with wood.
The Ardbeg 15 Year Old “The Beithir’s Tale” will be available in Australia from August 26th through the Ardbeg Committee.
Many thanks to the Ardbeg Australia Team for gifting us the new Ardbeg Anthology limited releases.
Cheers,
Hendy
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