Ardbeg distillery launches limited edition “punk rock” whisky

A SCOTS distillery has launched a limited edition “punk rock” whisky as part of a celebration of the company.

Ardbeg Distillery, based on the isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute, has crafted what they call a “palate punk-turing” limited edition, named Ardcore, as part of their Ardbeg Day 2022 celebrations.

Held annually on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg.

This year, the event falls on June 4th, with festivities set to take place at the Distillery, online, and at local events around the world.

To celebrate the launch of Ardcore, the Distillery is calling on fans to rock up for the event in the whisky calendar.

Ardcore has been created with roasted black malt – an unconventional choice for a spirit, and a first for Ardbeg.

The Distillery says the malt has been “incinerated”, which marks its “distinctive profile”.

Described by Dr Bill Lumsden as tasting “like biting on a spiky ball”, the whisky has been in-part inspired by Islay’s little-known punk past.

Ardcore celebrates the characters of “PUNK ELLEN” – the alleged nickname for Islay’s main port, Port Ellen, in the 1970s.

Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, said: “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.

“Whether at the Distillery or at home, we hope lots of you rock up, ready to party come 4th June!”  

Ardbeg’s Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “Ardcore is a dram that wears its heart on its sleeve.

“Created with roasted black malt, burnt to hair-raising levels, this spirit is all about substance.

“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.”

Ardcore will be available to buy from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers and from the Distillery Visitor Centre.