Nose: Very distinctively oily, with touches of extra virgin olive oil, sweet briar wood, aromatic herbs (coriander & sage) and a suggestion of smoked lemon peel. A splash of water releases more oiliness, like linseed oil, a gentle waxiness, and a burst of perfumed, aromatic carbolic soap, and finally, a whiff of crème brulee. Mouth: A soft, oily, mouthcoating texture leads into a rich, sweet, smoky palate, with hints of oak moss, treacle, aniseed lozenges and a lovely, sweet, woody/balsamic flavour. This is then followed by smoked apricots and eucalyptus oil. Finish: Finally comes a lingering, sweet/smoky aftertaste, with a touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut.
Inspired by the seldom-seen Harpy – a winged beast said to inhabit Islay – this legendary edition is a first for the Distillery. The Harpy’s Tale has been matured for 13 years in rare Sauternes wine casks and married with classic Ardbeg ex-bourbon. After over a decade in the cask, soaring smoke swoops into sweetness as Ardbeg’s unmistakable character wrangles with the richness of the Sauternes casks. A supreme aged expression… the taste almost as sensational as the tale…
Nose:Deliciously malty, butterscotch candy followed by citrus and woody vanilla aromas, layered with spicy woody notes of ginger and cinnamon. Mouth:Candied orange and lemon zest, vanilla and butterscotch, flower honey, melted brown sugar and woody spices. Finish:Rich and malty, with sweet aromas of woody vanilla and subtle spices.
Nose: Big, punchy notes of fresh vanilla pods and butterscotch mingle with lemon candy, peaches, and floral honey. Hints of toasted coconut and peppermint leaves add complexity.
Palate: Layers of vanilla cream, custard, and honeyed sweetness accompany classic Speyside notes of pears, nectarines, and fresh stone fruits. A gentle hint of light oak spice provides structure.
Finish: Medium length, clean and sweet, with lingering notes of zesty citrus, vanilla fudge, and a touch of caramel. Often described as a perfect ‘summer whisky’.
Nose: Very distinctively oily, with touches of extra virgin olive oil, sweet briar wood, aromatic herbs (coriander & sage) and a suggestion of smoked lemon peel. A splash of water releases more oiliness, like linseed oil, a gentle waxiness, and a burst of perfumed, aromatic carbolic soap, and finally, a whiff of crème brulee. Mouth: A soft, oily, mouthcoating texture leads into a rich, sweet, smoky palate, with hints of oak moss, treacle, aniseed lozenges and a lovely, sweet, woody/balsamic flavour. This is then followed by smoked apricots and eucalyptus oil. Finish: Finally comes a lingering, sweet/smoky aftertaste, with a touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut.