Ardbeg Anthology 13 Year Old The Harpy's Tale

The Ardbeg Anthology Collection draws inspiration from captivating stories of incredible encounters – legendary interactions with the most extraordinary beings rumored to roam Islay.

Derived from the elusive Harpy – a winged creature said to inhabit Islay – this unique edition marks a first for the Distillery. The Harpy's Tale, matured for 13 years in rare Sauternes wine casks and combined with classic Ardbeg ex-bourbon, delivers a mesmerising fusion. Over more than a decade of aging, smoky notes gracefully meld with the sweetness, as Ardbeg's distinct character entwines with the opulence of Sauternes casks.

Brand: Ardbeg

Region: Islay

Size: 70cl

ABV: 46.0%

Age: 13 Year Old

Bottling: Distillery Bottling

Limited Edition: Yes

Nose: Very distinctively oily, with touches of extra virgin olive oil, sweet briar wood, aromatic herbs (coriander & sage) and a suggestion of smoked lemon peel. A splash of water releases more oiliness, like linseed oil, a gentle waxiness, and a burst of perfumed, aromatic carbolic soap, and finally, a whiff of crème brulee.
Palate: A soft, oily, mouthcoating texture leads into a rich, sweet, smoky palate, with hints of oak moss, treacle, aniseed lozenges and a lovely, sweet, woody/balsamic flavour. This is then followed by smoked apricots and eucalyptus oil.

Finish: Finally comes a lingering, sweet/smoky aftertaste, with a touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut.