The Islay-based Ardbeg Distillery, has announced the launch of the third and final release in its limited-edition Vintage_Y2K Series, distilled at a defining moment in the distillery’s story.

Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 25 Year Old (48% ABV) is a single malt Scotch whisky, initially matured in ex-Bourbon barrels before being finished in Tempranillo wine casks sourced from Bodega Numanthia in north-west Spain.

The year 2000 was a seminal one for Ardbeg. Saved from extinction in 1997, then renovated and revived, the distillery finally returned to full production in 2000. The whiskies in the Vintage_Y2K Series were born from that moment of regeneration. Each a smoky anomaly, they unite unrepeatable spirit from the distillery’s historic 51 Year Old still, which was retired in 2001 after decades of loyal service, with whisky-making techniques that were new to Ardbeg.

This latest release was earmarked for a particularly intriguing finish by Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, a long-time wine enthusiast. It was created using some of the first Ardbeg spirit ever finished in Tempranillo wine casks.

With a Celtic heritage, ancient vines, some as old as Ardbeg itself, and wines renowned for their intense flavours, the celebrated Bodega Numanthia wine estate has much in common with Ardbeg. Used for the first time at the distillery, its casks reveal a uniquely complex whisky, with rich notes of coffee, smoked fruit and barbecue ribs sprinkled with paprika, combined with peat smoke and sweet chilli.

Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 25 Year Old joins Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 23 Year Old, matured in ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks, and Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 24 Year Old, matured in ex-Bourbon and Amontillado Sherry casks. Both remain available in limited quantities for those wanting to own and complete the collection.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “It’s been an honour to celebrate Ardbeg’s reawakening in 2000 through the ultra-rare whiskies of our Vintage_Y2K Series. With each release more limited than the last, these smoky anomalies bring together Ardbeg’s heritage and spirit of innovation to memorable effect.

“The oldest and rarest release of the series yet, Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 25 Year Old is a fitting finale. Crafted from some of the final spirit distilled in our historic still, then finished in Bodega Numanthia’s intensely flavoured Tempranillo red wine casks, it celebrates both Ardbeg’s enduring character and its restless spirit of innovation.”

Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K 25 Year Old is now available from the distillery’s website and selected specialist retailers, for a RRP of £730.