MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo has released "Ardbeg Black," a limited edition single malt whisky dedicated to fans of Ardbeg, which was born on the Isle of Islay in Scotland in 1815. The whisky features a striking all-black bottle inspired by the black sheep, and was released in limited quantities starting Saturday, May 30, 2020.

Born in 1815 on the small Scottish island of Islay, Ardbeg is the world's peatiest (possessing a unique aroma from peat) and smokiest single malt whisky. It is cherished by whisky fans worldwide as the ultimate Islay malt, known for its intense, unconventional character.

Every year from May to June, the Isle of Islay hosts the "Islay Whisky Festival (Islay Festival / Feis Ile)," a celebration of whisky. During this period, each distillery holds an "Open Day" on a rotating schedule, attracting passionate malt fans who seek out limited edition products available only at the distillery. Ardbeg concludes the "Open Day" events. This day is designated as "Ardbeg Day," and a limited edition product is released each year to celebrate this occasion with fans.

Throughout its long history of over 200 years, the Ardbeg distillery has overcome numerous hardships and crises of closure, always supported by its fans. The "Ardbeg Committee," formed in 2000 with the hope that its doors would never close again, now boasts over 120,000 members worldwide. Inspired by these fans, who possess an unconventional individuality like black sheep, a whisky has been created to honor them. This limited edition features casks of red wine from New Zealand Pinot Noir, a first for Ardbeg.

The aroma is a captivating blend of berry fruits, cedarwood, cigar boxes, smoky jam tarts, oak cask tannins, and truffle. With a drop of water, rich notes of bitter cherry and salt emerge, evolving into fragrant violet aromas. On the palate, it offers a velvety smooth texture. Contrasting flavors of saltiness and sweetness, anise and soot, harmonize with the rich notes of summer fruits like cherry and strawberry, dark chocolate, bitter cherry, and almond, leading to a long, sooty, smoky finish.

The Isle of Islay and New Zealand share many similarities, including a significantly higher sheep population than humans (approximately seven times more). The all-black bottle, Ardbeg's first in history, inspired by the black sheep and black grapes native to New Zealand, exudes an atmosphere distinct from previous limited editions. Although this year's Ardbeg Day was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope you will enjoy this single malt whisky, created to celebrate fans, while reminiscing about the Isle of Islay from the comfort of your home.

Ardbeg Black
Volume | 700ml
Alcohol Content | 46%
Price | ¥15,180 (incl. tax)