Ardbeg Anthology 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch

A rare beast from Islay. Ardbeg’s Anthology “The Unicorn’s Tale” (14 Year) is the second chapter in a series of myth-inspired releases that explore unusual cask combinations. Matured for 14 years before being married from Madeira-seasoned wood and classic ex-bourbon casks, this whisky marries unexpected sweetness with Ardbeg’s trademark peat. The nose opens with baked banana bread, syrupy sponge pudding, and a whisper of burning cedarwood. On the palate, zesty lime and sweet peaches stride alongside smoked fruit, nutmeg, and anise-tinged spice, backed up by soft barley malt and creeping smoke. The finish? A whimsically smoky flourish of menthol, clove, and wood-smoke that lingers with confidence. This is a dram to be savoured by those who love peat with character and complexity — not just power.

Nose: Baked banana bread, syrupy sponge cake, lime zest, cedar smoke.

Palate: Sweet peaches, smoked fruit, nutmeg, anise-tinged spice, barley malt.

Finish: Menthol breeze, clove, wood-smoke, and a long finishing echo.

Pair with dark chocolate orange truffles or banana-foster soufflé to mirror the banana and citrus highlights. Smoked lamb with mint jelly brings out the herbal peat and warmth. For cheese, try aged Manchego or a nutty Gouda — they balance the smoke and accent the fruit-sweet side.