Kicking Off the 2026
Three and a half hours later, I pulled up at the Highlander Inn in Craigellachie. The tasting was hosted by the Hong Kong-based independent bottler, Whisky Concerto. We went through six of their bottlings, and before I dive into the details, let me give you my "TL;DR" conclusion: delicious, playful, and crafted with a clear sense of conviction.
As the core expression and the "face" of the distillery, this 12-year-old performs exceptionally well. The spirit is gentle and nuanced, yet it manages to showcase a complex array of cask influences that harmonize without overstaying their welcome. It is delicate yet powerful—a perfect testament to Billy Walker’s ambitious vision for the brand. If you are looking for a reliable "Daily Dram," this is a top-tier contender.
As Ardbeg’s first Committee Release of 2026, this Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength bids farewell to the flamboyant, whimsical label designs of recent years. Instead, it returns to basics with a clean, classic cream-coloured label. One can’t help but wonder: does this signal a return to their original craft, leaving behind the superficiality of some recent experimental works? Let's find out.