The second release in Ardbeg’s Anthology Collection, The Unicorn’s Tale is a 14-year-old single malt matured in a marriage of rare aromatic Madeira casks and classic ex-bourbon casks. This innovative cask combination delivers a whisky where sweetness and peat intertwine, bringing together tropical baked fruits, sponge pudding, cedarwood, and smoky camphor. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and crafted in true Ardbeg style, this release adds a unique chapter to the distillery’s story.
Ardbeg Distillery
Established in 1815 on the southern coast of Islay, Ardbeg Distillery is revered for producing some of the world’s most intensely peated single malts. Despite its power, Ardbeg is renowned for balance, showcasing layers of sweetness, fruit, and spice beneath its smoke. With a global cult following and a reputation for pushing creative boundaries, every new release becomes an event for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Ardbeg Anthology ‘The Unicorn’s Tale’ 14 Year Tasting Notes
Nose: Sweet, warm, and fruity with baked banana bread, sponge cake, and molasses, transitioning into burning cedarwood. A splash of water reveals tropical fruits and eucalyptus oil alongside gentle smoke.
Palate: Bright lime zest and ripe peach lead into smoked fruit, toasted bread, tar, liquorice, and antiseptic lozenges. Subtle barley malt, nutmeg, and peat smoke add depth.
Finish: Long, smoky, and unmistakably shaped by Madeira casks, leaving notes of menthol, clove, wood smoke, and camphor.
Why Add Ardbeg Anthology ‘The Unicorn’s Tale’ to Your Collection?
As the follow-up to The Harpy’s Tale, this second chapter in Ardbeg’s Anthology Collection is already a standout for collectors. Its rare Madeira cask influence creates an unusual balance of sweet tropical fruit and smoky depth, offering a new dimension to Ardbeg’s legendary peat. With limited availability and strong demand from Islay enthusiasts, The Unicorn’s Tale is a prized addition for serious collectors and fans of experimental Ardbeg releases.