Crafted without the use of a purifier during distillation, Ardbeg Heavy Vapours is a unique Committee Release likely aged in ex-bourbon casks, allowing intense and untamed peat character to dominate. This limited edition showcases Ardbeg at its most extreme—bold, smoky, and deeply aromatic. Released in 2023 with artwork by Dilraj Mann, the Committee bottling offers a darker, more brooding take on Islay’s iconic style.

Ardbeg Distillery

Established in 1815 on the southern coast of Islay, Ardbeg is one of Scotland’s most revered peated whisky distilleries. Known for its heavily smoky single malts, Ardbeg uses malt peated to over 50 ppm and draws water from Loch Uigeadail. After closing in the 1980s, the distillery was revived in 1997 and has since built a devoted global following, particularly through limited Committee releases. Ardbeg is celebrated for its bold flavour, innovation, and cult-like fan base.

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Tasting Notes

Nose: Intense and smoky with farmyard funk, tarry rope, and sweet creosote. With water, dark chocolate cream and smoked artichoke emerge.
Palate: Bold and bitter-sweet with ash, cardamom, peppermint, dark chocolate, and eucalyptus. Cinnamon and aniseed linger beneath.
Finish: Long and anaesthetising, with drying peat and medicinal complexity.

Why Add Ardbeg Heavy Vapours to Your Collection?

This Committee Release is a must-have for Ardbeg collectors and peat lovers. Its experimental distillation method, intense flavour profile, and limited availability make it a standout among recent Islay bottlings. With distinctive packaging and a bold departure from Ardbeg’s typical character, Heavy Vapours is destined to become a cult classic.