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Ardbeg
unveils Trudernish their first permanent
15 Year Old single malt, where they say
soft smoke and creamy flavours combine
in the latest addition to Ardbeg’s core
range.
Ardbeg has introduced Ardbeg Trudernish,
its first permanent 15 Year Old
expression, bringing together the
distillery's characteristic peat smoke
with a softer, creamier style. Inspired
by the ancient settlement of Trudernish
on Islay's "Enchanted Cape", the new
single malt has been matured in bourbon,
new charred oak and Oloroso sherry
casks.
The launch also marks the introduction
of a new visual identity for Ardbeg’s
permanent range, with updated packaging
set to roll out globally from autumn
2026. The new designs draw on the
individual stories and flavour profiles
of each whisky.
The name Trudernish comes from local
legends surrounding the Enchanted Cape
and a notoriously elusive well whose
pure water is said never to freeze. The
whisky takes inspiration from the
mystery of the location, pairing a smoky
character with layers of rich, creamy
flavour.
Ardbeg Trudernish was matured for 15
years in a combination of first and
second-fill bourbon casks, new charred
oak casks and Oloroso sherry casks. The
newly charred new oak casks were charred
for the first time, adding another
dimension to the maturation while
allowing the classic Ardbeg character
imparted by the bourbon casks to remain
evident. While Ardbeg keeps the precise
recipe for its whiskies confidential,
they tell me that the flavour profile of
Trudernish is reminiscent of the
absolutely outstanding Ardbeg Airigh Nam
Beist, released in 2006, with earthy
peat and woodsmoke complemented by dried
herbs, chocolate lime, vanilla, nuts and
creamy fudge. Bottled at 48.8% ABV,
Trudernish brings this distinctive
combination of flavours to the permanent
core range.
Ardbeg Trudernish has already received
recognition at the San Francisco World
Spirits Competition 2026, where it was
awarded Double Gold.
The new packaging retains Ardbeg’s
distinctive black presentation while
introducing an individual earthy accent
colour for each expression.
Woodcut-style illustrations reference
the story behind each whisky, alongside
details of its cask recipe and a
snapshot of its flavour profile. The
approach will be applied across the
distillery’s permanent core range.
Ardbeg's Director of Whisky Creation, Dr
Bill Lumsden MBE, said: "A new whisky is
always a momentous occasion at Ardbeg –
and our first permanent 15 Year Old,
Ardbeg Trudernish, is truly one to
celebrate. Aged in a combination of
bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso
sherry casks, our spirit’s signature
smokiness is brilliantly mellowed by
rich, creamy flavours, softened with
age. You’ll find aromas of peat and
woodsmoke engulfed in melted vanilla ice
cream. There are tastes of peat, dark
liquorice and nuts wrapped in milk
chocolate and a long smoky finish. A
silky thread of vanilla runs throughout.
I guarantee this whisky’s take on
Ardbeg’s peaty paradox will charm smoky
malt lovers everywhere."
Ardbeg Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven
said: "Ardbeg Trudernish is the perfect
dram to toast Ardbeg’s new look. Our
core range is brimming with the stories
and flavours of Islay – from our classic
Ardbeg Ten, to the dark and mysterious
depths of Ardbeg Uigeadail. These
striking new designs will make it easier
than ever to explore each one – and
perhaps discover new favourites… such as
Ardbeg Trudernish!"
Ardbeg Trudernish is bottled at what
should be a very flavoursome 48.8% ABV
and has an RRP of £80. It will be
available from 15 September 2026 from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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