The final chapter in the Ardbeg Anthology Collection has reared its smoky head. Introducing The Beithir’s Tale, a rare and elusive dram inspired by one of the most fearsome creatures ever said to stalk the Distillery’s shores.

Aged for 15 years in special designer charred bourbon casks, these barrels have been air-seasoned, heavily toasted, and then lightly charred.

This whisky is inspired by the tale of the Beithir* – a fearsome serpent that slithered into the Distillery (or so the story goes). Spotted among the barrels, it had three prized casks lodged in its belly. Charmed away by an enchanting melody piped from a chanter, the hypnotised beast fled into the Atlantic, leaving the barrels bobbing on the waves.

This bold dram crackles with notes of peat smoke, treacle, coffee grits, citrus and spice. Long, meandering flavours of vanilla and smoked butter burst forth in a finish that slithers across the palate and sings to the senses.

Already an award-winner, The Beithir’s Tale has received Gold at both the International Spirits Challenge and the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

*A giant snake-like beast, said to bring misfortune to all who cross its path.

The Ardbeg distillery was established in 1815 and stands on the rocky headland on the Scottish island of Islay. Islay is famed for its exceptional whiskies, and those in the know revere Ardbeg Islay Single Malt as one of the most delicate and complex of them all.

The Beithir's Tale
Ardbeggians have swallowed a cask or two in their time, but this legendary tale is one for the hissstory books…

For weeks, there had been an unexplained, perplexing hissing sound coming from the Distillery…

Arriving in the warehouse, Jackie spotted a humongous serpent beast slipping through our precious stock. Pulling a chanter from her pocket, she began to play.

Charmed by hypnotic melodies, it hightailed out down to the shoreline, disappearing beneath the Atlantic surf. Leaving our casks bobbing on the waves. Sometimes, all Ardbeg needs is a splash of water...

Aged for 15 years in special designer charred bourbon casks, these barrels have been air-seasoned, heavily toasted, and then lightly charred. With a nose that beguiles and charms, a mouthfeel that glides across the palate, and a finish that dwells long after the final sip, The Beithir’s Tale is yet another rare and enduring spirit in The Ardbeg Anthology Collection.

The Beithir’s Tale is a supremely aromatic dram. A splash of water reveals hefty notes of eucalyptus and menthol, followed by sharp tangs of fennel and pine. Astoundingly balanced, earthy coffee grits and peat smoke slither into sweet raisins, subtle vanilla and smoked butter.

Colour : Pale Straw

Aroma : Pungent, oily and spicy, rich notes of treacle wrap around creosote and smoked herbs. Toasted apples and raisins reveal a sweeter underbelly. With water, eucalyptus and menthol burst forth as fennel and pine trail behind.

Taste : Astoundingly balanced, a sizzling mouthfeel leads into peat smoke, coffee grits and currants. Sweet lemon balsam entwines with smoked mandarins, followed by a sharp, smoky tang.

Finish : Finally, a long, meandering finish brings with it subtle hints of vanilla and smoked butter