Ardbeg 13 Year Old 'The Harpy's Tale' Anthology

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There’s always been a fascination with the rare and unusual on Islay, especially at Ardbeg. While the whisky itself is inherently scarce, it’s the island’s strange stories and folklore that truly ignite the imagination.

The Ardbeg Anthology Collection draws inspiration from these mysterious tales, stories of eerie encounters with creatures said to roam Islay. One such legend is the Harpy, a mythical winged being rarely glimpsed. This expression, The Harpy’s Tale, marks a first for the distillery. Aged for 13 years, it’s matured in uncommon Sauternes wine casks and then combined with classic Ardbeg ex bourbon casks. Over time, bold peat smoke intertwines with rich sweetness, creating a whisky that balances Ardbeg’s signature intensity with the lush influence of Sauternes. The result is a refined, mature dram, its flavour nearly as captivating as the myth behind it.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Deeply oily on the nose, with hints of olive oil, sweet briar wood, and fragrant herbs like coriander and sage, alongside a touch of smoked lemon peel. Adding water reveals even more texture, linseed oil, soft waxiness, perfumed soap notes, and a final suggestion of crème brûlée.

Palate: Smooth and coating, delivering a rich blend of sweetness and smoke. Flavours of oak moss, treacle, and aniseed sweets are complemented by a gentle woody, balsamic character, followed by notes of smoked apricot and eucalyptus.

Finish: Long and lingering, with a sweet, smoky fade accented by spices such as cumin and cardamom, and a subtle hint of coconut.