Ardbeg Anthology The Harpy’s Tale – 13 Year Old

The Harpy’s Tale starts with a knicker theft, and we’d urge you to read the back of the box for a story that’s full of Ardbeg’s trademark bonkers-ness. This 13 Year Old whisky, which is made by combining classic Ardbeg aged in ex-bourbon casks with spirit aged in Sauternes wine casks, is a marriage of smoky and sweet which is both odd and delicious – in other words, perfectly in the spirit of Ardbeg. 

The Harpy’s Tale is the first in a new annual trilogy from Ardbeg, which will contain whiskies inspired by myth that showcase the influence of a cask type not previously used by this beloved Islay distillery. 

Tasting notes from Ardbeg: 

Nose: 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 brûlée.

Palate: 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.

Finish: Finally comes a lingering, sweet/smoky aftertaste, with a touch of cumin, cardamon and the merest hint of coconut.