Ardbeg Smokiverse Celebrates 25 Years of the Ardbeg Committee

Legendary Islay distillery Ardbeg will unveil a groundbreaking new whisky, Ardbeg Smokiverse, during its annual global celebration Ardbeg Day, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee. This limited-edition whisky is crafted using an innovative high-gravity mashing technique, a first for Ardbeg, delivering pronounced tropical fruit notes while preserving the brand’s iconic smoky character.

Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team reduced water in the mash tun to create a high-gravity wort, an unconventional method that enhances acetate esters, resulting in distinctive tropical fruit flavors. The whisky is then aged in ex-bourbon casks.

Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, stated that Ardbeg Smokiverse is the distillery’s first whisky made with high-gravity wort, pushing the boundaries of single malt’s classic peaty profile. He described the whisky as offering vibrant fruit and ester notes reminiscent of smoked bubblegum, followed by a clash of peat and juicy tropical fruits, culminating in a rich dark sugar finish.

To celebrate the launch, Ardbeg will host space-themed events at its Islay distillery and global embassies, featuring cosmic games, space-themed cocktails, whisky tastings, and food pairings. Jackie Thomson, Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre Manager and Ardbeg Committee Chair, emphasized this as a global celebration inviting whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

Ardbeg Smokiverse will be available exclusively via Ardbeg.com and official embassies from May 28-30, followed by wider release at specialty retailers and online platforms from May 31. Whisky lovers can join the Ardbeg Committee through the distillery’s website for event updates and exclusive offers.

The Fèis Ìle music and malt festival will run from May 23, 2025, concluding with Ardbeg Day on May 31.

Tasting Notes - ABV - 48.3% - Color - Bright gold - Nose - Vibrant fruit and ester notes, akin to smoked bubblegum, with hints of mature barley and toasted sourdough. Water amplifies the smokiness, but the peat smoke carries sweetness and aromas of lightly smoked tropical fruits. - Palate - Rich creaminess, followed by sharp ash and spice notes like tar, creosote, anise, and clove, balanced by unique sweetness (e.g., dark sugar) and structured woody flavors like sweet oak and leather. - Finish - Earthy peat moss, campfire embers, and charcoal.

2025-04-24

Source - https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-new-releases/ardbeg-smokiverse-celebrates-25-years-of-the-ardbeg-committee/