The Beithir's Tale, inspired by a giant-like beast, was launched in 2025 as the third and final limited release in Ardbeg's Anthology Collection, a range that features ‘experimental’ single malts matured in cask types that are new to the distillery. Matured for 15 years in specially designed charred bourbon barrels that were were air-seasoned, heavily toasted, and then lightly charred before use. Non-chillfiltered and bottled at 46%.
Nose: Pungent, oily and spicy, rich notes of treacle wrap around creosote and smoked herbs. Toasted apples and raisins reveal a sweeter underbelly. With water, eucalyptus and menthol burst forth as fennel and pine trail behind.
Palate: Astoundingly balanced, a sizzling mouthfeel leads into peat smoke, coffee grits and currents. Sweet lemon balsam entwines with smoked mandarins, followed by a sharp, smoky tang.
Finish: Finally, a long, meandering finish brings with it subtle hints of vanilla and smoked butter.
