Ardbeg Anthology - The Harpy's Tale | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Ardbeg Distillery, Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured in ex-bourbon casks with a finishing period in Sauternes wine casks.
Age Statement: 13 years old.
ABV: 46%.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the influence of Sauternes casks may impart a unique hue.
Bottle Design: Features a harpy, a mythological creature half eagle and half human, engaging in a whimsical story of undergarment theft, with Shorty the terrier attempting a rescue.

Balance of Flavors: Dominated by Ardbeg's signature smokiness, with a complex underlayer of fruitiness, spiciness, and sweetness.
Unique Characteristics: The Sauternes cask finishing adds a sweet, fortified wine influence, contrasting with the hefty smokiness.
Comparison: Heavier and spicier than typical Ardbeg offerings, with a unique sweet note from the Sauternes cask finishing.

Anecdotes: The whimsical story on the bottle involves a harpy supposedly stealing undergarments, with Shorty the terrier trying to intervene. This tale adds a playful element to the whisky's presentation.
Trivia: The harpy myth is humorously tied to Islay, suggesting a local legend of a harpy living on the island.

Historical Context: Ardbeg, part of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy group, has a rich history, with the distillery experiencing closure and revival. The Anthology series marks a special collection showcasing older expressions.
Geographical Influence: The use of Sauternes wine casks from Bordeaux adds a layer of French wine culture to this Scotch whisky.

"Very, very typical Ardbeg. So the smokiness is very Ardbeg style. Hefty, strong." - Ben Luening
"This is quite a heavy Ardbeg, I would say." - Horst Luening
"You feel there is more to it, so I would say in a longer session you might get a lot more out of this glass." - Ben Luening

Ardbeg Anthology - The Harpy's Tale is a 13-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, finished in Sauternes wine casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with a balance of smokiness, sweetness, and spiciness.
The whimsical storytelling and bottle design add a unique charm.
The whisky is part of a special series, indicating a collection of older and unique bottlings from Ardbeg.
Expert opinions highlight its heavy smokiness and the intriguing influence of the Sauternes casks.

For the Peat Lover: The heavy smokiness will appeal to fans of peated whiskies.
For the Adventurous Drinker: The unique Sauternes cask finishing offers a novel tasting experience.
For the Collector: As the first edition of the Ardbeg Anthology collection, it's a must-have.
For the Whisky Story Enthusiast: The playful storytelling and mythological references add an extra layer of enjoyment.