Ardbeg "Traigh Bhan" Batch No. 4 19 Year Old Scotch Whisky
(750 ml) [IWSC 98] [WA 95]

About the Whisky:
Produced in small batches to be released every year, this exceptionally rare and ever-changing 19 year old draws its inspiration from Islay's Traigh Bhan beach, known locally as the Singing Sands.

In a rare occurrence for Ardbeg, this aged whisky will be released every year and each one of these exclusive, small batch bottlings will feature a unique batch code.

Each batch of Traigh Bhan will be a slight variation on the last. This is due to minor changes in the cask selection. The main difference with Batch 2 is that it was created using a slightly higher proportion of 1st-fill Bourbon to refill casks, and a similar level of Sherry casks. These imbue it with an altogether more silky-smooth character.

Tasting Notes

In Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Batch 2, faint waves of sweet wood smoke and tart creme fraiche lap gently over bold notes of savory fennel, celeriac and roasted tea leaves. A splash of water releases a gust of fresh sea spray, followed by irresistible aromas of leather, eucalyptus oil and pine. An intensely salty mouthfeel shifts like the tides into soothing medicinal notes. Swells of aniseed pass over the palate, before rich fudge, birch tar and peat smoke crash down wildly. Eventually, savory and smoke collide in a sharp, intense and satisfyingly long finish.

Awards/Reviews

Double Gold - SF World Spirits Competition 2024

Double Gold - NY World Spirits Competition 2024

Gold - Intl Spirits Challenge 2024

Best Small Batch Islay Single Malt (13-20 Years) - World Whiskies Awards 2022

Best Scotch Whiskey, Best Single Malt Scotch, Double Platinum - Ascot Awards 2022

96 Points - Intl Wine & Spirits Competition 2022

"Melted marshmallow-laced tropical fruits, pomelo, fig and dried dates garner the nasal senses. A smorgasbord of fine dried sweet fruits and citrus lift the glacé elements. Lemon, lime and black pepper unite in a truly an unctuous finish."

95 Points, Finalist - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2022

"Pouring a deceivingly subtle shade of gold, this whisky has a bombastic nose of ocean spray, campfire, dried citrus, and honeyed cereal. The palate is lush and filled with big oak and juicy sherry wood sweetness all laced expertly with earthy peat smoke."

95 Points - Whisky Advocate

"Ardbeg’s first core bottling with an age statement in nearly 20 years was matured in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. Rock pools, fabric Band-Aids, coal dust, licorice, hot peat, pineapple, and a seafood platter on the complex nose. The palate is oily, with smoked fish, overt peat smoke, chili, iodine, and lemon. Long in the finish, with more iodine and peppery peat. A delightfully traditional Ardbeg."

"Fresh sea breeze, brine, dried seaweed, peat embers, and drying sea shells on a beautifully integrated nose that positively sings of the sea. On the palate, it’s sweet and docile after that sea rush on the nose. Charcoal, golden apples, lemon, and peach tart meld with dark chocolate and espresso, dynamic and subtle all at once. It’s golden nectar with a peat smoke twist. Peat lovers, rise up: This one is not to be missed."

-Whisky Advocate Summer 2023