Ardbeg Ardbog pays tribute to Islay bogs

Islay single malt Ardbeg is paying homage to the peated bogs of the Scottish isle with its latest limited edition release Ardbeg Ardbog.

A 10-year-old whisky matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and rare ex-Manzanilla sherry butts, that is non-chill filtered and bottled at 52.1% abv, Ardbog has a “distinctively salty texture” and notes of anchovies, alongside the “hallmark smoky” flavours inherent to Ardbeg.

Dr Bill Lumsden, director of distillation and whisky creation, said: “The overall combination of effects in Ardbog truly conjures up the impression of ancient, primeval, salty peat bogs, but reassuringly this is combined with some classic, intense Ardbeg notes of leather, toffee and smoke.

“The Manzanilla maturation weaves salty flavours through the whisky which is then balanced with the maple syrup creaminess of the first fill ex-bourbon casks. As with all Ardbeg it is about getting the balance of many flavours right so others such as mocha coffee, cloves and even anchovies play their part.”

The release follows that of the much lauded Ardbeg Galileo, launched in September 2012 to mark an Ardbeg experiment to mature whisky in space.

“Every year we try to come up with something interesting and enticing for our Ardbeg fans, and we have for years laid down a range of experiments which may or may not see the light of day,” continued Dr. Lumsden. “Ardbog is one such experiment.”

Ardbeg Ardbog will be officially launched on 1 June at the Ardbeg distillery in celebration of Ardbog Day, and will be available from select specialist whisky retailers with an RRP of £79.99.