This year, Ardbeg will again release a celebratory Limited Edition expression, Ardbeg Kelpie, in homage to the sea that surrounds the Distillery\u2019s remote Scottish island home, on Ardbeg Day (Saturday 3rd June).<\/p>\n
Ardbeg Kelpie, named after the legendary water demon that is said to lurk in the Atlantic Ocean off Islay\u2019s shores, is the first Ardbeg to be matured in Virgin Black Sea oak casks. Renowned for the deep flavours that they impart and rarely used in whisky making \u2013 these casks bring a distinct intensity to the world\u2019s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whisky.<\/p>\n
Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg\u2019s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks, in his continuing search for intriguing casks, was inspired by the depth of flavour imparted by the Black Sea casks. Grown and seasoned in the Adyghe Republic, which leads down to the Black Sea coast, these casks impart incredibly deep flavours.<\/p>\n
The whisky was then married with hallmark Ardbeg, matured in ex-bourbon barrels, to amplify Ardbeg\u2019s characteristic style and create a whisky of incredible depth.<\/p>\n
Ardbeg is set to bring Islay\u2019s Festival of Music and Malt to a close on Ardbeg Day, the global celebration of the single malt\u2019s untamed spirit. As the festivities begin on Islay, Ardbeg\u2019s loyal following \u2013 the Ardbeg Committee \u2013 and their friends across the world will be invited to join underwater-themed events which pay tribute to the whisky\u2019s namesake \u2013 the kelpie.<\/p>\n
Distillery Manager Michael (Mickey) Heads said: \u201cArdbeggians and their smoky malt friends will have the chance to celebrate with a dram or two of Ardbeg Kelpie. With a heart matured in Black Sea casks, this whisky\u2019s extraordinary depth and its waves of salty seaweed and tarry rope, hint at what might be hiding under the sea…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now, the finer details of our plans for will remain a closely guarded secret, but rest assured Ardbeg Day 2017 will be another legendary worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ardbeg\u2019s general release of Kelpie at 46% ABV, launches on Ardbeg Day (Saturday 3rd June), the expression will be available to purchase from Ardbeg Embassies for a two week exclusive period. Kelpie will then be available at Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, selected airport and ferry duty-free stores with a RRP of \u00a398.00.<\/p>\n
Ardbeg Day will be celebrated at the distillery on Saturday 3rd June 2017 and at participating Ardbeg Embassies around the world.<\/p>\n
Ardbeg Kelpie is non-chill filtered for extra texture and mouthfeel.<\/p>\n