Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength: The 61.7% ABV Icon Debuts

Classic Reimagined! ABV 61.7% Cask Strength Returns

Whisky enthusiasts have finally reached the moment they've been waiting for! The Islay-based Ardbeg Distillery has officially unveiled a new expression of its core flagship: Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength. Crafted exclusively for the Ardbeg Committee, the brand's global fan club, this limited release is bottled at a powerful 61.7% ABV. It perfectly fulfills the long-standing desire of members for a high-proof version of the iconic 10 Years Old. Looking back, a very limited cask strength version was released in Japan in 2003, which has since become a rare treasure for collectors and fueled global anticipation for an international release of this magnitude.

Masterful Craftsmanship and Cask Artistry

This new release was spearheaded by the team led by Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation. The team carefully selected American oak ex-bourbon casks for maturation, including experimental batches filled at unusually high strengths. This marks the first Committee release under the leadership of the new Master Blender, Gillian MacDonald, and Distillery Manager, Bryony McNiven. It represents a fresh interpretation of a classic style. Gillian MacDonald noted that this cask strength version retains all the core flavors loved by members while providing a deeper, more intense sensory experience.

Deep Layers: Intense Smoke and Sensory Impact

In terms of flavor, Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength radiates aromas of toffee, tar, creosote, coffee grounds, and sea spray, accompanied by hints of vanilla, lime, and fennel. On the palate, a powerful wave of smoke crashes in, interwoven with notes of soot, peat, and wood moss, eventually balanced by the sweetness of malt and biscuits. The finish carries the brand's signature mint and medicinal notes. Since its founding in 2000, the Ardbeg Committee has been dedicated to protecting the distillery's legacy and now boasts over 200,000 members worldwide. As part of LVMH's Moët Hennessy portfolio, Ardbeg once again demonstrates its unshakable leadership in the world of peated whisky.

📅 Release Date: 2026-02-04

🔗 Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/its-finally-here-ardbeg-ten-cask-strength/