Ardbeg 10 yo (1998/2008), Renaissance, 55.9%

Introduction

The Ardbeg Renaissance 10-year-old (1998/2008) marks the culmination of Ardbeg’s rebirth journey, representing the first fully mature whisky produced since the distillery’s resurrection in 1997 after years of closure and limited production.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish malted barley with an exceptionally high phenol content (55+ ppm), sourced from Port Ellen Maltings on Islay
• Distillation process: Double distilled in Ardbeg’s unique copper pot stills with purifiers that create their distinctive spirit character
• Maturation: Aged for 10 years in a combination of first-fill and refill bourbon barrels from Kentucky, allowing the spirit to develop complexity while maintaining Ardbeg’s signature intensity
• Special techniques: Bottled at natural cask strength without chill filtration, preserving all original oils and flavor compounds

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Powerful waves of medicinal peat, tar, smoked seafood, and iodine, balanced by sweet vanilla cream, lemon zest, and coastal brine
• Palate: Intensely peaty with rich oils coating the mouth, revealing layers of dark chocolate, espresso, black pepper, smoked meat, and citrus peel with a distinctive minerality
• Finish: Extraordinarily long and complex with lingering peat smoke, sea salt, licorice, and subtle oak spices gradually fading to reveal sweet malt

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the complex aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its full complexity, though a few drops of pure water can unlock additional flavors
• Food pairings: Strong blue cheese, dark chocolate with sea salt, smoked salmon, or enjoyed post-meal as a contemplative dram

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 55.9% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Islay
• Certifications/Awards: Part of the highly acclaimed “Path to Peaty Maturity” series, following Very Young, Still Young, and Almost There releases

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

The Ardbeg Renaissance 10 Year Old represents the pinnacle of Islay whisky craftsmanship, capturing the essence of traditional peat-fired distillation methods that date back centuries.

With an extremely limited production run and bottles becoming increasingly difficult to locate, this Renaissance edition stands as a rare artifact from a pivotal moment in Ardbeg’s storied history.

Endorsed by whisky authorities worldwide, this expression has been hailed as the definitive statement of Ardbeg’s return to glory and full maturation potential under the guidance of master distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky critics and aficionados consistently rank the Renaissance among the most significant Ardbeg releases, with many collectors considering it an essential cornerstone of any serious Islay whisky collection.

Enthusiasts who have committed to collecting the entire “Path to Peaty Maturity” series find the Renaissance to be the triumphant conclusion that validates the journey through Ardbeg’s maturation story.

Its distinctive character has garnered praise in numerous whisky journals and competitions, cementing its reputation as a benchmark against which other heavily peated whiskies are often measured.

From Islay to You

Ardbeg has generously shared this exceptional milestone release, allowing whisky lovers worldwide to participate in a pivotal chapter of their resurrection story that might otherwise have been reserved only for local consumption.

The approachable yet profound complexity of Renaissance appeals to both seasoned Islay enthusiasts and those beginning their exploration of peated whiskies, offering something remarkable at every level of appreciation.

By experiencing this legendary Ardbeg expression, you join a community of discerning whisky admirers who understand and celebrate the authentic heritage of Islay’s most respected distilleries – secure your bottle while this historic release remains available.