Ardbeg has unveiled the first experimental and rare whisky in its new Anthology Collection – Ardbeg Anthology: The Harpy’s Tale, which has been aged for 13 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and sauternes wine casks.

The result is a whisky featuring a mix of powerful smoke and rich sweetness.

In homage to this unusual ‘hybrid’ style, its packaging takes inspiration from the fabled half-human and half-bird Harpy–an elusive, winged beast from ancient mythology.

Ardbeg The Harpy’s Tale is the inaugural whisky in the distillery’s new Anthology Collection: a range of experimental single malts that will present rare Ardbegs, each matured in cask types that are completely new to the distillery.

Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden said, “We have embarked on a bold maturation experiment to fuse Ardbeg’s signature smokiness with more nuanced, sweeter notes for our new release The Harpy’s Tale – resulting in a very unusual and complex breed of Ardbeg.

“This is a dram that represents a battle between sweet and smoke – one I believe fans are yet to experience in an Ardbeg dram and one that I’m sure they will be excited to taste for themselves.

“Collectively, the whiskies in the Anthology Collection will form a legendary, perfectly balanced and delicious series of rare and unusual Ardbegs, rich in both lore and taste.

“We look forward to revealing more in the Collection in the near future.”

Priced at $230 with an ABV of 46%, Ardbeg Anthology: The Harpy’s Tale is available for purchase on Ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, at the Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay and in selected whisky specialists.