The Beithirs Tale is the culminating chapter in Ardbegs Anthology trilogy, released in 2025. This 15-year-old expression is matured in designer bourbon casks that were air-seasoned, heavily toasted, and lightly charred, creating a hybrid style that bridges classic Islay peat with creamy, vanilla-forward layers. Its name evokes the Beithira mythic serpent of Scottish folklore said to have infiltrated the distillery itself.

Already, it has earned Gold Outstanding (98 points) at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2025 and a Gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Pale straw light yet luminous.

Nose: Pungent, oily, and alive with character. Treacle, creosote, smoked herbs, and tar mingle with honeyed malt. Toasted apples and raisins appear, and with water the aroma unfurls eucalyptus, menthol, fennel, and pine.

Palate: Vivid and dynamic. Peat smoke, coffee grounds, and currants dominate, while lemon balm, smoked mandarin, and subtle vanilla emerge. A sizzling, spicy mouthfeel carries the interplay between raw smoke and soft sweetness.

Finish: Long and meandering. Vanilla and smoked butter linger, underpinned by the earthy peat, spice, and smoky tang that trail off gradually.

Technical Details

Expression / Series: Ardbeg Anthology The Beithirs Tale

Age: 15 Years

ABV: 46%

Volume: 750ml

Casks / Maturation: Designer bourbon casks (air-seasoned, heavily toasted, lightly charred) used for full maturation

Filtration / Colouring: Bottled non-chill filtered, natural colour (standard for the Anthology series)

Release / Edition: 2025, final edition of the Anthology series (completing the trilogy)