Ardbeg's The Beithir’s Tale is the final single malt in the Anthology trilogy. Following The Harpy’s and The Unicorn’s Tales, it’s named after a mythological, serpent-like beast that is said to have slithered through the Islay distillery's warehouse.
It's a first for Ardbeg, in that the whisky was matured in “designer bourbon casks”. These barrels are air-seasoned – rather than kiln-dried – then heavily toasted and lightly charred. These were the only casks the single malt was aged in, for a total of 15 years.
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.
Astoundingly balanced, a sizzling mouthfeel leads into peat smoke, coffee grits and currants. Sweet lemon balsam entwines with smoked mandarins, followed by a sharp, smoky tang.
Finally, a long, meandering finish brings with it subtle hints of vanilla and smoked butter.
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