Ardbeg launches buried whisky as NFT

Islay-based distillery Ardbeg has released its first NFT (non-fungible token) single malt whisky, which was buried in a peat bog for nearly three years.

Two casks of Ardbeg whisky, aged in second-fill Bourbon casks, were buried in a peat bog for two years and 10 months near the distillery.

The whisky’s name, Ardbeg Fon Fhòid, takes inspiration from this, and means ‘under the turf’ in Scottish Gaelic.

Bottled at 45.5% ABV, Ardbeg Fon Fhòid will be priced at 1 ETH, which at the time of writing equates to roughly £2,363 (US$3,105).

The time spent underground is said to have given the whisky a ‘earthy, mossy and herbal’ flavours, rather than Ardbeg’s trademark ‘intense smoky notes’.

Ardbeg’s head of distilling and whisky creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “I think it’s safe to say we’ve unearthed a truly special Ardbeg here. Ardbeg Fon Fhòid is earthy and mossy with one hell of a herbal nose.

“Good luck to those hoping to secure some of Ardbeg’s buried treasure – I hope you land a bottle.”

Ardbeg Fon Fhòid is limited to 456 bottles, which will be available to purchase exclusively on blockbar.com at 10am EST on 19 April.

Successful buyers will receive a digital certificate that will verify their ownership and the authenticity of the bottle.

Bottles will be stored at Block Bar’s facility in Singapore until they’re redeemed. Buyers can also trade their NFT within the blockbar.com marketplace, store the bottle in their virtual bar, or offer the NFT through the company’s new gifting platform.

Dov Falic, CEO and co-founder of Block Bar, said: “We hope whisky fans new and old will take the opportunity to join our community and discover this peaty experiment, which Block Bar will keep in perfect condition until the owners are ready to enjoy it.”

Earlier this month, Ardbeg revealed a limited edition single malt called Ardcore to mark this year’s Fèis Ìle festival.