The Islay-based Ardbeg Distillery has today announced the launch of a new limited-edition, cask-strength version of its iconic Ten Year Old, following more than 20 years of calls from its loyal fanbase – the Ardbeg Committee – to release the classic expression at a naturally higher ABV.

Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength (61.7% ABV) is a heavily peated single malt Scotch whisky, matured in American oak Bourbon casks. It was created by Master Blender Gillian MacDonald alongside Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden MBE.

Crafted on the remote Scottish island of Islay for over 200 years, Ardbeg is renowned as one of the world’s smokiest and peatiest Islay malt whiskies. Its flagship Ten Year Old has long been revered by Committee members as the ultimate expression of the distillery’s signature smoky style. A cask-strength edition has topped their most-wanted list ever since a highly limited release appeared in Japan in 2003.

This latest release — the highest-strength Ardbeg Committee Release to date — is said to deliver notes of smoke, spice, toffee, tar, creosote, coffee grounds, sea spray and vanilla on the nose, followed by smoked cinnamon, paprika, soot, peat moss, woodsmoke and a gentle biscuity character on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Gillian MacDonald, Master Blender, said: “This cask-strength Ardbeg Ten is a momentous celebration of our distillery’s classic style. Created by Dr Bill and myself from casks filled with new-make spirit at a higher-than-usual strength, it delivers all the flavours Committee members know and love, infused with a new intensity. Those lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle will discover aromas of toffee and tar, classic notes of fennel and sea spray, and sweet, sooty flavours of peat moss, malt and smoked cinnamon — amplified in an unforgettable dram. Slàinte to our Committee!”

Bryony McNiven, Distillery Manager, added: “Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength is arguably one of the most sought-after Ardbegs ever. It’s fantastic to finally be sharing it with the Committee. What a dram — a perfect balance of wood smoke, citrus sweetness and salt.”

Released exclusively to members of the Ardbeg Committee, Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength will be available from Ardbeg.com from February 24th. A small number of bottles will also be available at the distillery. RRP £75.00.