Ardbeg Releases New 15-Year-Old Trudernish to Core Range

31 Aug

Islay Distillery reveals eye-catching new look for all its permanent whiskies

Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky today unveils a dram of soft smoke and creamy harmony – its first permanent 15-year-old, Ardbeg Trudernish. Inspired by the ancient settlement of Trudernish on Islay’s “Enchanted Cape”, this beguilingly silky whisky is aged in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks for an indulgent charm. Its release, which has already been recognised with a Double Gold award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026, comes as Ardbeg reveals a new look for its entire core range, to be rolled out globally from autumn 2026. The bold designs playfully bring to life the unique stories and flavours of each dram.

According to the legends of the Enchanted Cape, the pure water of the well at Trudernish (which is notoriously hard to find) never freezes over. Like the quest in search of the Trudernish well, this 15-year-old Ardbeg transports drinkers to Islay, revealing delicious, creamy flavours hidden beneath its smoky exterior.

Seeking a rich new dimension to Ardbeg’s peaty paradox, Ardbeg’s whisky makers matured their smoky, balanced spirit in bourbon, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks over 15 years, for mellow creaminess and softer smoke. A trace of earthy peat flits from the glass, as aromas of woodsmoke drift across dried herbs and chocolate lime. Tastes of vanilla and nuts are folded into decadent notes of creamy fudge sauce. The whisky’s harmony of flavours is enhanced by its ABV of 48.8%.

The packaging for Ardbeg Trudernish showcases a distinctive new look for the Distillery’s bottlings – to be rolled out across the brand’s entire core range. The presentation boxes and labels stand out in Ardbeg’s classic black, with each expression now differentiated by its own earthy accent colour. In a nod to Ardbeg’s Celtic heritage, whimsical woodcut-style illustrations depict every whisky’s individual story, alongside its cask recipe and an evocative flavour snapshot.

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 (48.8% ABV) RRP £80 is available to purchase from Ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, the Distillery Visitor Centre, and specialist retailers from 15th September 2026..

Tasting Notes:

ABV: 48.8%
Colour: Straw gold
Aroma: A soft wave of earthy peat and gentle woodsmoke is wrapped in rich vanilla cream, evoking the scent of melted vanilla ice cream with fudge sauce. Sweetness blends with floral notes and subtle hints of pine resin and heather honey. Orchard fruits like green apple and pear add freshness, while a hint of cracked black pepper and dried herbs lend complexity. A splash of water reveals ripe melon, kiwi, and soft berry notes layered over fragrant vanilla and heather-sweet peat.
Taste: Creamy and full-bodied, with bold Ardbeg peat merging into a smooth wave of sweet vanilla cream. Classic notes of soft pine, woodsmoke and damp forest floor lead into dark liquorice, chocolate lime, and a touch of herbal mint. More soft orchard fruits and floral sweetness are paired with nuts wrapped into milk chocolate. The texture silky, with the vanilla running like a thread through each layer.
Finish: Long and soothing, with peat embers, vanilla pod and toasted nuts lead into a long and smoky finish.
RRP: £80