Ardbeg Extravaganza with “Anthology” and a “1975”

The word “anthology” to me means anything that has to do something with a collection that is bound together by a common subject. A collection of books, music, art or – why not – whisky. Ardbeg launched a series under the name Anthology last year. It tickled my interest because, contrary to what we have gotten used to with this once legendary Islay distillery, these expressions carried an age statement. Not to worry, the silly names are still there too, but more so than the sometimes bizarre reasoning behind naming these whisky, in connection to what you will actually find inside this bottle, age tells you so much more. I have made a habit out of buying only the age stated Ardbeg these days, so I prevent getting disappointed. The 19 years old Traigh Bhan for instance is generally brilliant (though I have not tasted the later batches yet).

Today we taste the first two instalments of the Ardbeg Anthology series, which are named The Harpy's Tale and The Unicorn’s Tale. I try to limit the marketing banter to the minimum here at Whisky Odyssey; we are whisky drinkers. The makeup and the age statement are enough story for me. But hey, I am not a bad sport, and the Unicorn’s Tale made me smile for a moment. Since today is also our 125th tasting note, we throw in a NAS Ardbeg (undermining my entire story here, does it not?). I hope you will forgive us, but the label screams “1975” and that is enough seduction for me to put it on this blog. Age stated or not (spoiler: it is 24 year old Ardbeg).

Ardbeg 13 years old, The Harpy’s Tale, bottled at 46 % abv

Makeup: This Ardbeg bottled in 2023 has matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sauternes casks.

General impressions: Well, there you go, a more traditional Ardbeg if you ask me. Classic ashy notes, maritime hints and a whiff of tropical sweetness. Marmalades created from something else than red fruits. Behind these initial layers I do find some hints of seafood. We are very firmly on Islay, but where is the sauternes influence then? The palate is mostly on heavy peat here, in a very rounded and balanced way, but there is nothing extra for me in this. The sauternes only shows upon repeated sipping in the form of smoked apricot and peaches. It all feels like a natural combination, and even though I think sauternes most times creates a rough edge on whisky, it is a nice addition. All in all, this is rather straight up Ardbeg. It does keep developing in the glass so make sure you are not in a hurry when tasting/drinking this. I picked up some meaty flavours after a while that were quite pleasing.

Conclusion: More classic than I expected, the sauternes certainly not outstaying its welcome.

Score: 85 points

Ardbeg 14 years old, The Unicorn’s Tale, bottled at 46 % abv

Makeup: This Ardbeg bottled in 2024 has matured in ex-bourbon and Madeira casks.

General impressions: One year later, one extra year of maturation. Can we expect a 15 year old Ardbeg next year? Nosing this one, I notice the cask influence more upfront this time. The peat seems to be subdued a little, and there is more noticeable fruit entering the fold. Dried fruit mostly, which might be because of the smoke fighting against the exotic intruder. So yeah, less integrated than the sauternes before, but a bit more extravert and dare I say … fun? With time, the barbecue is opened up and some sizzling steak soars on the smouldering heat of the coals. I am feeling quite entertained by this Ardbeg. The taste goes all-in on the sweet character of the madeira though, nicely rounded and perfect balance, and just when you think this Ardbeg is going down like an unexperienced newcomer, the finish gives a blast of smoky, ashy, almost medicinal peat. Certainly more a-typical than the sauternes influenced Ardbeg, but being surprised is also welcome from time to time.

Conclusion: Bonus point for doing it a bit different. The Harpy’s Tale is more recognisable as an Ardbeg, but the Unicorn’s Tale takes it to the sky. Also, for the first time in a long time while drinking modern Ardbeg, I did not feel the urge to nag about pricing. The Ardbeg Anthology series is one I am going to watch with pleasure. See if eventually it touches the 90 points bar.

Score: 86 points

Ardbeg 1975, bottled at 43 % abv

Makeup: Distilled in 1975 and bottled in 1999. Matured for 24 years, if we calculate correctly. There is not much information on cask makeup around, so I enquired with Ardbeg collector supreme Geert Bero if he knew anything, but even he is in the dark, “believing there must be a lot of sherry casks in there”.

General impressions: This tasting note was made in a stand-alone session, because of the low abv I wanted to experience it on its own. First whiff is surprisingly peaty after the long maturation. There are nice hints of ashes and medicinal supplies, like old-fashioned brown band aids. But there is also a “dark side”, lots of tar. Underneath these layers there is a slight signal of lemons, sour fruits in any case. And flowers. Like, flowers on the side of the road that just got a new layer of asphalt. Peated asphalt with flowers on top, go figure, this is whisky that could write a novel.

Taking a sip, you get a pleasant oily feel on the palate, “brown” tastes like chocolate and wood, perfectly bitter. The dark soul of this Ardbeg leaves little room for fruitiness. This is strictly on maritime notes, seafood, but also Dominican cigars (the sherry influence here?) and always that tarry note. Slightly dry even, but the finish is a mile long on all these mentioned notes, lingering and lingering. To quote Geert Bero once more from our conversation: “Made unhurried, good casks, different barley. Peat is woven into the whisky, not used as a sales gimmick.” We hear you there, Geert.

Conclusion: Almost feels like a whisky that you uncovered under weeds and mold, only to clean it and discover it shines like never before. Imagining this at higher strength or even cask strength is making my knees tremble.

Score: 91 points

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