Ardbeg unveils limited edition Smokiverse whisky with high-density mash at annual Islay celebration

Ardbeg, the renowned Islay distillery famous for its smoky single malt Scotch whiskies, has introduced a new limited edition called Ardbeg Smokiverse. The release was unveiled during Ardbeg Day, an annual celebration that draws whisky enthusiasts from around the world to the distillery on the Scottish island of Islay. This year’s event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee, a global club of dedicated fans.

Ardbeg Smokiverse stands out as the first whisky from the distillery made using a high-density mash. This experimental process involves reducing the amount of water used during mashing, which is when malted barley is converted into fermentable sugars. By using less water in the mash tun, Ardbeg’s whisky creation team intensified the concentration of aromatic compounds in the resulting spirit. The result is a whisky with a more vibrant and tropical fruit character than typically found in Ardbeg’s core range.

The whisky was aged in bourbon casks, which are known for imparting notes of vanilla and caramel. According to Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, this method has produced a spirit with layers of dark sugar, ripe barley, and toasted sourdough bread. Tasting notes highlight an initial burst of fruity and estery flavors—described as reminiscent of smoky bubblegum—followed by classic peat smoke and juicy tropical fruits. The finish brings together sweet peat and rich sugar notes.

Dr. Lumsden explained that increasing the density of the mash allowed them to draw out sweeter and fruitier flavors from deep within the mash tun. He described Smokiverse as taking Ardbeg’s signature smoky profile into a new dimension of flavor, with an energetic explosion of fruitiness on the palate.

The launch of Smokiverse continues Ardbeg’s tradition of releasing special bottlings for Ardbeg Day each year. These releases are highly anticipated by collectors and fans alike, often selling out quickly due to their limited nature and unique production methods.

Ardbeg Day itself has become a major event in the whisky calendar, attracting visitors to Islay and hosting celebrations at bars and retailers worldwide. This year’s festivities not only showcased Smokiverse but also honored a quarter-century of the Ardbeg Committee, which has played a key role in supporting and promoting the brand since its formation.

Bottles of Ardbeg Smokiverse are now available in select markets, though supplies are limited due to its small-batch production. The release is expected to appeal to both long-time fans of peated Islay whiskies and those interested in innovative approaches to traditional Scotch making. As with previous special editions from Ardbeg, Smokiverse is likely to become a sought-after item among collectors and connoisseurs looking for something new from one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries.