We are pleased to be able to offer two new bottlings of the cult Islay distillery Ardbeg from next week: the Ardbeg Wee Beastie and the Ardbeg Blaaack. Unfortunately, both are only available to us in limited quantities. So being fast is recommended for all friends of powerful Islay single malt whiskys. Here is some information in advance.
Ardbeg Wee Beastie
"Wee" means something small in Scottish. Even if the famous "Wee Dram", the little sip that you treat yourself to, is sometimes not that small ...
The Ardbeg Wee Beastie is a small peat monster that bears its name quite rightly. The "wee" refers to the small number of years. At 5 years of maturity, the malt is only half the age of its hugely popular big brother, the Ardbeg Ten. But young at years doesn't have to be bad for an Islay whisky, as the fans know. Because especially with young bottlings, the untamed, powerful character of the Malts from the island is often particularly evident
And so the new Ardbeg is really a little beast full of smoke, peat and impetuous strength. The maturation took place in former bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. The Wee Beastie is filled with strong 47.4% alcohol. If you are looking for an inexpensive entry into the Ardbeg world: Here it is.
Ardbeg Blaaack
Well, aren't there a few "A" too many? Not really. Because if there is something more than whiskey on Islay, it's sheep. And the name Ardbeg Blaaack is supposed to remind of their bleating.
As you can see on the label, this single malt is the proverbial black sheep among the Ardbegs. And Black has an additional meaning here: It also refers to the barrels used. Because the Ardbeg Blaaack matured in Pinot Noir wine barrels from New Zealand. And "Noir" is the French word for black.
The limited edition will appear on time for this year's Ardbeg Day on May 30, 2020 and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee Club. We congratulate - and look forward to the Ardbeg Blaack.