Ardbeg unleashes ‘high-gravity’ Smokiverse
Islay-based Ardbeg Distillery has unveiled its 2025 Fèis Ìle bottling, Smokiverse, made with ‘high-gravity’ mash.
Ardbeg Day has been an annual celebration of ‘the Beast of Islay’ since 2012, held on the last Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt, Fèis Ìle.
The festival will take place this year from 23-31 May, with Ardbeg Day closing the event on the last day.
Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee, the distillery has launched its 2025 limited edition Smokiverse, its first whisky crafted from a ‘high-gravity’ mash.
The single malt is the result of years of mash experimentation by Ardbeg’s whisky creation team, led by Dr Bill Lumsden. During the mashing process, malted barley is converted into fermentable sugars.
One of the team’s experiments involved reducing the amount of water used in the packed mash tun. The unconventional ‘high-gravity’ mash reportedly intensified the flavour-active compounds known as acetate esters, resulting in ‘a fruitier and more tropical spirit’.
Ardbeg Smokiverse was aged in Bourbon casks to enhance the flavour of the distillate.
Lumsden described the new release: “The first whisky we have ever made with a high-gravity mash, Ardbeg Smokiverse takes our single malt’s classic peaty character to a new frontier of flavour. By ramping up the density of our wort to new heights, we’ve drawn in fruitier, sweeter flavours from the deepest corners of the mash tun.
“Upon first sip, you can expect a vibrant burst of fruity, ester notes, rather like smoked bubble gum, along with aromas of barley. Then peaty notes collide with juicy, tropical fruits, before sinking into a rich depth of muscovado sugar.”
Inspired by the high-gravity mash, the distillery will bring to life a space-inspired universe on Ardbeg Day with cosmic games, space-themed cocktails, whisky tastings and smoky bites.
Jackie Thomson, visitor centre manager at Ardbeg Distillery and Ardbeg Committee chair, said: “We’re inviting whisky fans from all corners of the world to join us, both at the distillery and the beating heart of the Smokiverse, and beyond, to celebrate Ardbeg Day.
“We’re thrilled to share this whisky with smoky malt lovers everywhere and send their tastebuds into overdrive with the release of this extraordinary new expression.”
Offered at 48.3% ABV, Ardbeg Smokiverse will be available exclusively from the distillery’s website and Ardbeg embassies from 28-30 May.
The limited release will be available from whisky specialists and online retailers starting 31 May with an RRP of £93 (US$124).
Last year, for Ardbeg Day, the distillery released a Port cask-aged limited edition, Ardbeg Spectacular, accompanied by a circus-themed celebration at the distillery on 1 June 2024.
Earlier this year, The Glenmorangie Company opened bookings for its new Ardbeg House hotel, set to open on Islay in autumn 2025.
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