Arrrrrrrdbeg! celebrates Mickey Heads’ 13 years at the helm of Ardbeg
To commemorate the retirement of its Distillery Manager Mickey Heads, Ardbeg has announced the launch of Arrrrrrrdbeg! – an exciting limited edition bottling which celebrates his time at the helm.
Mickey retired in late 2020, after 13 whisky-packed and eventful years with Ardberg. During his time at the distillery, he oversaw the distillation of dozens of fine Ardbeg expressions, took part in Ardbeg celebrations from Islay to Illinois, took home the title of IWC ‘Distillery of the Year’ three times in a row, and was named Distillery Manager of the Year 2014.
Exclusively available to the Ardbeg Committee from 1st February 2021, the straw coloured Arrrrrrrdbeg! is the distillery’s first whisky to be wholly matured in ex-rye casks. It has a spicy mouth feel; igniting a blunderbuss of fruity flavours, while the long finish lingers with gentle smoke lasting on the palate. The bottle’s striking illustrated label depicts Mickey as a salty seadog and is the creation of Butcher Billy, a renowned Brazilian artist and graphic designer.
The whisky on the nose has aromas of smoked banana and pear drifting into hints of rye bread, sweet vanilla toffee and the gentlest breeze of aniseed. A splash of water, citrusy lemon and lime course through the senses while refreshing notes of sherbet and sweet pastry come to the fore. The non age statement whisky is bottled at 51.8 percent ABV and is priced at £145 .
