The very first release from Ardbeg's Anthology Collection, which honours legendary tales of Islay, was inspired by the seldom-seen Harpy – a winged beast said to inhabit the island.
The Harpy’s Tale has been matured for 13 years, combining Sauternes wine casks with bourbon casks. That classic Ardbeg smoke combines beautifully with the coconut and stone fruit sweetness of the cask influence, with unique herbal hints underneath.
Very distinctively oily, with touches of extra virgin olive oil, sweet briar wood, aromatic herbs (coriander & sage) and a suggestion of smoked lemon peel. A splash of water releases more oiliness, like linseed oil, a gentle waxiness, and a burst of perfumed, aromatic carbolic soap, and finally, a whiff of crème brulee.
A soft, oily, mouthcoating texture leads into a rich, sweet, smoky palate, with hints of oak moss, treacle, aniseed lozenges and a lovely, sweet, woody/balsamic flavour. This is then followed by smoked apricots and eucalyptus oil.
Finally comes a lingering, sweet/smoky aftertaste, with a touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut.
