The last weekend in May is a special time in the Scotland’s northern island of Islay. Held annually on the last Saturday of the island’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg.
This year, the event fell on 4th June, the festivities took place at the Ardbeg Distillery, online, and at local events around the world. To celebrate the launch of their latest Limited Edition, Ardcore, the distillery called on their fans to “rock up” for the loudest event in the whisky calendar.
Created with roasted black malt, a first for Ardbeg, Arcore is all about what happens up front, center-stage. Described by Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation, as tasting ‘like biting on a spiky ball’, this dram is one for the ages. Ardcore also draws inspiration from Islay’s little-known punk past, celebrating the characters of ‘Punk Ellen’ – the alleged nickname for Islay’s main port, Port Ellen, in the 1970s.
“This year will be my first physical Ardbeg Day. We know not everybody can make it to Islay, so we’re delighted to be broadcasting all the day’s antics online too,” said Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager. “Whether at the Distillery or at home, we hope lots of you rock up, punked out and ready to party come 4th June!”
“Ardcore is a dram that wears its heart on its sleeve – its black heart! Created with roasted black malt, burnt to hair-raising levels, this spirit is all about substance,” added Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation. “Notes of charcoal and sweet smoke make for an in-your-face nose, while potent notes of aniseed and dark chocolate stamp this bottle out as one fit only for the most Ardcore of fans.”
Two versions of Ardbeg’s Ardcore is available at Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers and from the Distillery Visitor Centre. The Ardbeg Committee Release (100 proof) retails for $149.99, while the general release (92 proof) retails for $124.99.
