Ardbeg ANTHOLOGY 14 year old - The Unicorn's Tale

Profile: The Ardbeg ANTHOLOGY 14 year old - The Unicorn's Tale at a glance

• Limited Edition: The Ardbeg ANTHOLOGY 14 year old - The Unicorn's Tale
• Premiere: The second bottling of a three-part series
• The first Ardbeg that matured in rare Madeira Wine Casks!

Portrait: What makes the Ardbeg ANTHOLOGY 14 year old - The Unicorn's Tale special

Ardbeg prides itself on being the ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Founded in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all Islay whiskies. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is known for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon affectionately known as "the peaty paradox." 
In the 1980s and 1990s Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was only when the brand was bought by the Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the distillery was saved from bankruptcy become. Since then, the distillery has risen like a phoenix from the ashes, and today Ardbeg has established itself as a cult malt with a passionate following.

The Ardbeg ANTHOLOGY 14 year old - The Unicorn's Tale is the second edition of a three-part series (anthology = literary anthology). Each Ardbeg in the Anthology series combines two creatures, just like the mystical mythical creatures of Greek legends.“The Unicorn’s Tale” is inspired by the legendary Islay Unicorn. It was discovered by workers one night after a party at the distillery and its origins are shrouded in mystery. Whether it's a real unicorn or just the Shetland pony that lives near Ardbeg - The Unicorn's Tale tells of the famous voracious pony, an abandoned ice cream van and the wild imagination that gave birth to the legend .
Matured for the first time in former Madeira Wine Casks (rare & sought after and brings the sweetness to the Malt whisky) and in former Bourbon Casks (for the classic Ardbeg smokiness).

Tasting Notes: This is how the Ardbeg ANTHOLOGY 14 year old - The Unicorn's Tale tastes like

• Nose: rich, sweet and fruity - aromas of banana bread and sponge pudding are present - syrup aromas transform into a distinctive scent of burning cedar wood - with a little water, an abundance of tropical fruits is released - eucalyptus oil mixes with mild, aromatic smoke.
• Palate: Lime and sweet peaches gallop across the tongue, accompanied by strong notes of smoked fruits and baked bread - in the background antiseptic lozenges, creosote tar and aniseed - barley malt combines with nutmeg and peat smoke
• Finish: clearly the influence of rare Madeira barrels - a moody, smoky finale with long-lasting hints of menthol, cloves, wood smoke and camphor