Ardbeg’s New 15-Year-Old Whisky Is the Best Smoky Scotch of the Year
Islay is the region of Scotland that is best known for its peated whisky, with distilleries like Laphroaig, Bowmore, and Lagavulin making smoky single malts that are world-renowned. But some of the best smoky scotch produced on the island comes from Ardbeg, a cult distillery with dedicated fans spanning the globe. It just released a new 15-year-old whisky called Trudernish that will be a permanent part of its lineup, and that’s a very good thing because this is the best peated single malt of the year so far.
Ardbeg has been around in some form or another since 1815, when the distillery was first founded. It mostly made whisky that was used in blends until it was shut down in the early 1980s, and operated only sporadically until it was acquired by the Glenmorangie company in 1997 (LVMH subsequently acquired both distilleries in 2004). It has been steadily making very smoky single malt scotch over the past quarter century, and has become something of a cult phenomenon among whisky enthusiasts seeking out both its modern expressions and rare bottlings from the 20th century. The core lineup is anchored by a 10-year-old expression, which was released last spring as a long-awaited cask-strength version that surpassed expectations, along with some NAS whiskies and a fantastic 25-year-old.
Earlier this month, the distillery announced the release of Trudernish, a 15-year-old whisky named after an ancient settlement that was once located not far from where the distillery is today. It was aged in a combination of barrels for a minimum of 15 years: ex-bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and new charred oak, which is used less often to mature scotch than it is for bourbon (the latter must be aged in new charred oak by law). The whisky was bottled at a sturdy 48.8 percent ABV, adding to a lively palate that is full of flavors like peach, vanilla, black pepper, dried fruit, leather, and of course a healthy serving of peat smoke.
“A new whisky is always a momentous occasion at Ardbeg—and our first permanent 15-year-old, Ardbeg Trudernish, is truly one to celebrate,” said director of whisky creation Dr. Bill Lumsden MBE in a statement. He then provided some tasting notes of his own: “Aged in a combination of bourbon, new charred oak, and Oloroso sherry casks, our spirit’s signature smokiness is brilliantly mellowed by rich, creamy flavors, softened with age. You’ll find aromas of peat and woodsmoke engulfed in melted vanilla ice cream. There are tastes of peat, dark licorice, and nuts wrapped in milk chocolate and a long smoky finish.”
Ardbeg Trudernish is available now at retailers around the country (SRP $90), and you can also find it at websites like ReserveBar.
