Origin & Bottling
This expression comes from the Ardbeg Distillery on Islay and forms part of the Smoketrails series. It is a travel-retail exclusive, non age statement, bottled at 46% ABV.
Cask & Maturation Details
The whisky was matured in traditional ex-bourbon barrels and then partly married with Cabernet Sauvignon red wine casks from the Napa Valley region of California.
Cask Types
- Ex-bourbon casks
- Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks (Napa Valley) finish/marriage
Tasting Profile
Nose: Peat smoke, bonfire embers, rose water, jasmines, smoked plums and dark fruits.
Palate: Bold peat smoke, espresso, eucalyptus, dark berries, wine tannins, a hint of vanilla and oak.
Finish: Long, ashy, drying tannins from the wine cask, lingering red berry notes and smoke.
Why This Bottling Stands Out
By pairing Ardbeg’s signature peat with California Cabernet Sauvignon cask aging, this bottling offers a unique crossover between Islay smoke and sophisticated wine-cask fruit/tannin influence. A highlight for travellers and collectors.
Serving Recommendation
Serve neat or with a few drops of water to unlock the wine finish’s subtlety. Best enjoyed by peat fans who are open to experimental cask finishes.
Country:
Scotland
Description:
Whisky
