Ardbeg Adds A New Very Peaty Whisky To Its Permanent Line Up

Lovers of the peat side of Scotch single malt whisky usually come to be big fans of Ardbeg. The distillery tends to draw lots of attention from its fan base whenever a new bottling arrives, such as the limited edition re-release of Supernova last year. Now the Islay whisky maker is bringing a new addition to its permanent line up that will be called Wee Beastie.

The new Ardbeg Wee Beastie, according to those behind it, is a five year old bottling that’s described as a “feisty and intensely powerful smoky whisky…untamed by age.” It is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks before later being bottled at 47.4% ABV. 

“I’m in no doubt that Ardbeggians will love this tongue-tingling expression,” said Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, in a prepared statement. “The casks chosen for its creation make it ideal for enjoying neat or as the mouth-watering main ingredient in a powerfully smoky cocktail.”

“A new permanent expression in the core range is always momentous for the Distillery,” added Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, “but Wee Beastie is a particularly special dram. As it’s a younger whisky, it means we’re able to get as close to the still as possible. So it’s safe to say this is a ferociously good wee nip!”

As it stands right now plans call Wee Beastie to be available in the United Kingdom come May for £39, or around $50 USD. In the United States, meanwhile, it will price around $47 per 750 ml bottle. You’ll find some official tasting notes below, and it should be noted also, in regards to the origin of its name, that it is said to “have emerged from the peat bogs of Islay themselves.”

• Color: Bright Auric 
• Nose: Very bright, fresh and herbal, with hints of vanilla, pear, freshly cracked black pepper, honey-glazed ham. Rich Turkish coffee, sappy pine resin. With water, more herbal top notes like vetiver and fennel, along with aniseed, green apple and leather. 
• Taste: A rich, explosive mouthfeel with lots of chocolate, tar, creosote and smoked bacon, followed by a burst of antiseptic lozenges, eucalyptus and more aniseed. 
• Finish: A long, salty and mouth coating finish with hints of cocoa, fudge and savory meats.