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. Aged for 15 years in designer charred bourbon casks, with the barrels being were air-seasoned, heavily toasted, and then lightly charred. 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.
