The Islay based Ardbeg Distillery has today announced the launch of a new limited-edition release, ahead of its annual day of celebration (Ardbeg Day) on Saturday May 31st, as part of the Islay Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle).

Ardbeg Smokiverse (48.3% ABV), the distillery’s first whisky crafted from a high-gravity mash, is a non-age-stated peated single malt matured in Bourbon casks.

This latest release is the result of the Ardbeg’s whisky creation team’s experimentation with the mashing process, in which malted barley is converted into fermentable sugars. One of their experiments involved reducing the amount of water used in the packed mash tun. This unconventional “high-gravity” mash magnified the intensity of flavour-active compounds known as acetate esters, leading to a fruitier, more tropical spirit.

Ardbeg Smokiverse, is said to deliver notes of fruity esters, ripening barley, toasted sourdough bread and peat smoke on the nose. Followed by notes of tar, creosote, aniseed, clove, muscovado sugar, sweet oak, leather and sweet peat on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Bill Lumsden MBE, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, said: “The first whisky we have ever made with a high-gravity mash, Ardbeg Smokiverse takes our single malt’s classic peaty character to a new frontier of flavour. By ramping up the density of our wort to new heights, we’ve drawn in fruitier, sweeter flavours from the deepest corners of the mash tun. Upon first sip, you can expect a vibrant burst of fruity, ester notes, rather like smoked bubblegum, along with aromas of barley. Then peaty notes collide with juicy, tropical fruits, before sinking into a rich depth of muscovado sugar.”

Marking 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee, this year’s festivities—taking place on May 31st at the distillery and beyond—will bring to life a space-inspired universe in celebration of Ardbeg Day. Committee Members and whisky lovers alike will be able to experience the delights of high gravity in the Smokiverse: a cosmic realm filled with space-themed games, interstellar cocktails, whisky tastings, and smoky bites.

Ardbeg Smokiverse will be available to buy exclusively from Ardbeg.com and Ardbeg embassies from 28th – 30th May, and will then be available from 31st May via other whisky specialist retailers. RRP: £93.00.