Ardbeg - 14 Year Old - Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale

Known for its outstandingly smoky drams, the Islay Distillery, Ardbeg was founded by John McDougall in 1815 after taking out a licence. Just under a century later, the name ‘Ardbeg’ and signature ‘A’ were registered as a trademark, an iconic recognisable logo for the distillery. Further on in the 20th century, the distillery started outsourcing, using a peated malt from the nearby Port Ellen Distillery in 1974 just before Ardbeg was mothballed for the first time in 1981. Reopened again by Allied Distillers in 1989, it was not long before the distillery was closed for a second time, however, the Glenmorangie Company saved the day by purchasing Ardbeg just before both Glenmorangie and Ardbeg became part of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. Being awarded World Whisky of the Year more than once, the distillery will continue to succeed, with the plans submitted of increasing the distillation capacity by adding not one, but two more stills in 2018, Ardbeg is only going upwards from here.

The Ardbeg Anthology Collection is inspired by tales of unbelievable encounters – legendary brushes with the strangest creatures ever purported to stalk Islay.

Matured for 14 years in a marriage of aromatic Madeira and classic bourbon casks, this rare Ardbeg is inspired by the tale of the lesser-spotted Islay Unicorn.

One dark night after a fête at the Distillery, the clip-clop of hooves was heard echoing around the yard. Those less swayed by mythical tales will tell you it was Rory, the Distillery’s greedy Shetland Pony – known for his ill-temper and devilishly sweet tooth. Others believe something else was afoot.

Distillery workers ventured outside to investigate. Rounding the corner, they witnessed a horse-like creature rearing up against a full moon. A ‘horn’ protruding from its head, it cut a chilling silhouette. The next day, rumours swirled about a sighting of Scotland’s national animal… a Unicorn.

Now of course, questions about a raided ice cream truck, Rory’s unlatched gate, and a strangely wafery-looking horn were levelled at the workers. But they know what they saw! Sure, a greedy-guts pony is plausible, but Islay is a mysterious place.