Ardbeg’s Latest Scotch’s ‘Unconventional’ Mashing Process Takes Its Flavor Profile to New Heights

Ardbeg announced the release of a new scotch in honor of Ardbeg Day, which the distillery will celebrate on May 31st. Ardbeg Smokiverse implements a distinctive “high-gravity” mashbill because the distillery team decided to reduce water in the mash tun, yielding fruitier flavors in the final dram.

“The first whisky we have ever made with a high-gravity mash, Ardbeg Smokiverse takes our single malt’s classic peaty character to a new frontier of flavor,” said Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden MBE in a statement. “By ramping up the density of our wort to new heights, we’ve drawn in fruitier, sweeter flavors from the deepest corners of the mash tun. Upon first sip, you can expect a vibrant burst of fruity, ester notes, rather like smoked bubble gum, along with aromas of barley. Then peaty notes collide with juicy, tropical fruits before sinking into a rich depth of muscovado sugar.”

The whisky launches stateside on May 15, and interested parties can pick up a bottle at Reservebar.com for pre-sale a few days before it drops. Individuals lucky enough to be on Islay for the whisky brand’s festivities can experience a space-inspired celebration, with “cosmic games, space-themed cocktails, whisky tastings and smoky bites.”

This renegade Islay whisky brand rose through the ranks within the Scotch landscape due to its smoky, yet complicated scotch whiskies. For Ardbeg Day 2024, the brand rolled out Ardbeg Spectacular, another scotch whisky full of firsts. This scotch spent time aging in port wine casks before it spent time marrying in bourbon barrels.

For last year’s release, the brand threw a dark circus-inspired celebration at the distillery. This year, space appears to be the theme — a playful reference to the high-gravity mashing process.

“We’re inviting whisky fans from all corners of the world to join us — both at the Distillery, the beating heart of the Smokiverse, and beyond — to celebrate Ardbeg Day. We’re thrilled to share this whisky with smoky-malt lovers everywhere and send their tastebuds into overdrive with the release of this extraordinary new expression.”