Ardbeg 14 Year Old Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale

Introducing… the second legendary edition in the Ardbeg Anthology Collection. Matured for 14 years in a marriage of aromatic Madeira and classic bourbon casks, this rare Ardbeg is inspired by the tale of the lesser-spotted Islay Unicorn. 

One dark night after a fête at the Distillery, the clip-clop of hooves was heard echoing around the yard. Those less swayed by mythical tales will tell you it was Rory, the Distillery’s greedy Shetland Pony – known for his ill-temper and devilishly sweet tooth. Others believe something else was afoot. 

Distillery workers ventured outside to investigate. Rounding the corner, they witnessed a horse-like creature rearing up against a full moon. A ‘horn’ protruding from its head, it cut a chilling silhouette. The next day, rumours swirled about a sighting of Scotland’s national animal… a Unicorn.

 Now of course, questions about a raided ice cream truck, Rory’s unlatched gate, and a strangely wafery-looking horn were levelled at the workers. But they know what they saw! Sure, a greedy-guts pony is plausible, but Islay is a mysterious place. 

Like the myth itself, this spirit may appear sweet in nature, but it hides a sinister and smoky twist… not to be underestimated. 

 The Unicorn’s Tale is non-chill filtered at 46%.

Nose: Rich, sweet, aromatic and fruity, baked banana bread and syrupy sponge pudding fill the senses. Notes of treacle trot into a distinctive whiff of burning cedarwood. A splash of water releases a bounty of tropical fruits. Eucalyptus oil mingles with soft, aromatic smoke.

Palate: Zesty notes of lime and sweet peaches canter across the palate. A burst of rich smoked fruit and baked bread prance into antiseptic lozenges, creosote, and aniseed. Soft barley malt combines with nutmeg and peat smoke.

Finish: The influence of these rare Madeira casks is undeniable. A whimsically smoky finish welcomes a long and lingering aftertaste of menthol, clove, wood smoke and camphor.