Ardbeg

Released over 25 years ago in 1997, 17 Years Old was one of the first bottles to leave the Distillery after reopening. Unusually delicate, yet unmistakably Ardbeg, this whisky found a place in the hearts of the Committee, and set an extraordinary standard for our future.

Retired in 2004, Ardbeggians thought that was the last they’d see it. But, while times have been moving quietly on, its return has been years in the making. Dr Bill Lumsden has meticulously crafted this release to mirror the original, retracing the flavour profile note by note, and choosing to bottle at 40% strength, just as it was back then.

The second legendary edition

Introducing… the second legendary edition in the Ardbeg Anthology Collection. Matured for 14 years in a marriage of aromatic Madeira and classic bourbon casks, this rare Ardbeg is inspired by the tale of the lesser-spotted Islay Unicorn.

One dark night after a fête at the Distillery, the clip-clop of hooves was heard echoing around the yard. Those less swayed by mythical tales will tell you it was Rory, the Distillery’s greedy Shetland Pony – known for his ill-temper and devilishly sweet tooth. Others believe something else was afoot.

Distillery workers ventured outside to investigate. Rounding the corner, they witnessed a horse-like creature rearing up against a full moon. A ‘horn’ protruding from its head, it cut a chilling silhouette. The next day, rumours swirled about a sighting of Scotland’s national animal… a Unicorn.

Now of course, questions about a raided ice cream truck, Rory’s unlatched gate, and a strangely wafery-looking horn were levelled at the workers. But they know what they saw! Sure, a greedy-guts pony is plausible, but Islay is a mysterious place.

Like the myth itself, this spirit may appear sweet in nature, but it hides a sinister and smoky twist… not to be underestimated. 

The Unicorn’s Tale is non-chill filtered at 46%.

Awarded a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024 and two Gold medals at the International Spirits Challenge 2024 and the International Wine and Spirits Competition. 

While the year 2000 will be remembered by many for bootcut jeans, flip phones and the elusive millennium bug, it went down in Ardbeg history for very different reasons. 

Following decades of neglect, the Distillery had been saved from extinction by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 and meticulously restored. As the clock ticked over from 1999 to 2000, Ardbeg was returning to full production. And while the rest of the world partied, with many distilleries shut down in fear of computerised chaos, its dedicated stillmen stayed up all night to keep the spirit flowing.  

Crafted with some of the very first spirit of the millennium, the inaugural edition in the Ardbeg Vintage Y2K series is unlike anything that came before. It was distilled in the historic still which served Ardbeg for 51 years, before being retired in 2001. And with an increased rigour applied to cask selection under the new ownership, the whisky was laid down in some of the finest bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks around. 

Committee Chair and Distillery Visitor Centre Manager Jackie Thomson said: “The turn of the millennium was a milestone for Ardbeg in so many ways – not least the formation of our Committee, the lifeblood of Ardbeg. With Y2K fashion and culture now back with a vengeance, we’re inviting Ardbeggians to turn back time to a remarkable year and enjoy the spirit of Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K.