Ardbeg 14 Year Old 'the Unicorn's Tale' Anthology

A Unicorn’s Tale marks the second chapter in Ardbeg’s Anthology collection, building on the popularity of the inaugural release, Harpy’s Tale. This single malt Scotch whisky has been aged for 14 years in a combination of Madeira and bourbon casks, bringing together the influence of both wood types in a carefully balanced maturation.

Each bottling in the Anthology series brings to life a legendary creature that may—or may not—have its origins in reality, perhaps inspired by a fleeting glimpse of one of Islay’s own inhabitants. At Ardbeg, the unicorn legend began after a distillery celebration on a moonless night, when the rhythmic sound of hooves echoed through the courtyard. Staff initially blamed Rory, the distillery’s notoriously grumpy Shetland pony, infamous for his sweet tooth and mischievous ways. But when they stepped outside, they claimed to see a horse-like figure silhouetted against the full moon, a single horn rising from its head.

By morning, speculation ran wild: had Scotland’s national emblem been spotted at Ardbeg? Or had Rory simply escaped through an open gate after raiding an ice cream van? Whether myth or mischief, the tale of the unicorn was born.

Producer’s Tasting Notes

Nose
The aroma is lush and inviting, brimming with sweetness and ripe fruit. Notes of banana loaf fresh from the oven and syrup-soaked sponge cake dominate, followed by hints of treacle and a distinctive touch of smouldering cedarwood. With a little water, waves of tropical fruit emerge alongside eucalyptus oil and a gentle, fragrant smoke.

Palate
Bright flavours of lime zest and ripe peaches dance across the tongue, giving way to rich smoked fruits and warm baked bread. These deepen into medicinal notes—antiseptic lozenges, creosote, and aniseed—while soft malt character blends with nutmeg and earthy peat smoke.

Finish
The character of the Madeira casks shines through in the finale. A playful smokiness lingers, unfolding into a long, satisfying finish marked by menthol, clove, drifting wood smoke, and camphor.