ARDBEG’S ICONIC TEN… NOW AT CASK STRENGTH

  < Islay Distillery honours loyal fanbase by releasing their most-wanted whisky >

Ardbeg’s loyal fanbase – the Committee – have been crying out for a cask-strength edition of the smoky icon Ardbeg Ten for more than 20 years. Today the Islay Distillery grants them their wish, by unveiling a momentous, cask-strength edition of its classic 10-year-old single malt. Matured in hand-selected casks, uniquely filled with spirit at an unusually high strength, this bottling brings an unrivalled intensity to Ardbeg’s classic, peaty taste with a naturally elevated ABV.

Crafted on the remote Scottish island of Islay for more than 200 years, Ardbeg is one of the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whiskies. Its flagship Ten has long been revered by Committee members as the ultimate expression of the Distillery’s smoky style. And a cask-strength edition has topped their most-wanted list, since a highly limited (and even more highly coveted) release was shared in Japan in 2003.

In answer to the Committee’s plea, Ardbeg’s whisky creators, led by Dr Bill Lumsden, vowed to create a historic edition of this classic malt in its members’ honour. So, they hand-selected a few choice American oak bourbon casks, including some experimental barrels unusually filled with undiluted spirit. The result is an Ardbeg of incredible intensity. Bursting with rich aromas of tar and sea spray and smooth, sweet tastes, this rare edition of Ten is bottled at 61.7% ABV – the highest strength of any Committee Release to date.

Fittingly, this milestone whisky is the first Committee edition unveiled during the tenure of new Co-Chairs, Master Blender Gillian MacDonald and Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven. Gillian said: “This cask-strength Ardbeg Ten is a momentous celebration of our Distillery’s classic style. Created by Dr Bill and myself from casks filled with new-make spirit at a higher-than-usual strength, it has all the flavours Committee members know and love, infused with a new intensity. Those who are lucky enough to lay their hands on a bottle will find aromas of toffee, tar, with classic notes of fennel and sea spray, and sweet sooty tastes of peat moss, malt and smoked cinnamon – amplified in an unforgettable dram. Slàinte to our Committee!”

Bryony said: “Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength is arguably one of the most wanted Ardbegs ever. It’s fantastic to finally be sharing it with the Committee. What a dram – a perfect balance of wood smoke, citrus sweetness and salt.”

Released especially for members of the Ardbeg Committee, this cask-strength edition of Ardbeg Ten will be available online at Ardbeg.com from 24^th February 2026, RRP £75.

For those intrepid enough to venture to the Distillery, there will be a small number of bottles ready to buy in person. For more news on all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at www.ardbeg.com/committee. Membership is free and all Ardbeg fans are welcome.

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Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength Tasting Notes:

ABV:     61.7%

Colour: Pale Gold

Aroma: Rich, earthy, smoky and spicy, with a marvellous combination of toffee, tar and creosote, coffee grounds and sea spray. Subtle hints of vanilla and lime manage to fight their way through the smoke, and a few drops of water release some classic Ardbeggian scents, like fennel and bonfire embers.

Taste: The texture is mouth filling and noticeably spicy, and the palate is surprised by an immediate and intense sweetness, reminiscent of smoked cinnamon and paprika. This is then followed by enormous waves of smoky notes – soot, tar, creosote, peat moss and woodsmoke to name a few, but the smokiness is always balanced by a gentle malty or biscuity flavour.

Finish: Mentholic and almost cooling, with hints of eucalyptus and antiseptic lozenges.

RRP: £75

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Master Blender Gillian Macdonald and Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 25 Years Old was named the World’s Best Scotch Whisky at the 2023 New York Wine Spirits Competition, and received a Platinum medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

Sustainability

Ardbeg is dedicated to sustaining its island home and community. With a vision of enhancing Islay for future generations, Ardbeg has devoted itself to restoring parts of the island’s precious peatland – a vital habitat for wildlife and a key carbon store. Working with the landowner, Ardbeg has begun transforming Kintour peat moor near the Distillery, cut for use in Ardbeg’s maltings decades ago. Ardbeg has also committed to a landmark conservation partnership with RSPB Scotland, Suntory Global Spirits and Diageo to restore 1,000 hectares of peatland in The Oa nature reserve. Over time, these projects aim to return Islay’s peatland to its native state, increasing biodiversity, helping mitigate against the effects of climate change and safeguarding the island’s natural heritage.

Meanwhile, Ardbeg has established the £1million Ardbeg All Islay Fund, which supports enterprising projects and organisations on the island. This five-year fund gives contributions to local sports clubs, musical and cultural organisations, helping to make Islay a better place to work and live.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

As we welcome the Year of the Horse, all of us at Tamdhu would like to wish you a very Happy Lunar New Year. Today is a moment for families to gather, traditions to be honoured and ambitions to be set for the year ahead – and we’re delighted to share it with you.

The Horse is celebrated for strength, perseverance and forward momentum. They’re qualities that have guided Tamdhu since 1897 on the banks of the River Spey, and they sit at the heart of our Year of the Horse Limited Edition, crafted especially for this occasion – now available on Tamdhu.com, and through specialist retailers across the UK, Taiwan and China.

Eight Steeds.

 One Shared Spirit.

To bring the Horse’s character to life, we partnered with acclaimed visual artist Page Tsou. His bespoke illustration of the Eight Steeds graces the presentation box: dynamic yet composed, detailed yet understated – a visual echo of the whisky within.

On the nose, you’ll find warming spices and mature oak, opening into dried fruits and honey. The palate reveals profoundly rich oak, ginger biscuits and caramelised pear, before a long farewell of full‑bodied malt, sweet spice and orange zest.

Today, whether your celebrations are grand or quietly reflective, we hope there’s room for a well‑earned dram.

Slàinte mhath,

Sandy McIntyre

Distillery Manager

THE TAMDHU LUNAR NEW YEAR COLLECTION

LONGROW 100 PROOF BATCH 2

Batch 2 of the new Longrow 100 PROOF series is matured in a combination of Bourbon and Red Wine casks and bottled at 57.1% ABV. Our signature peaty Longrow spirit pairs beautifully with these bold cask flavours, creating a rich and intense expression.

NOSE Notes of redcurrants, Madagascan vanilla, tiger prawns, salami and peppercorns introduce this dram, with an ashy note present from the start.

PALATE The peat smoke builds on the palate, with notes of tobacco, cigar smoke, dark fruits and leather.

FINISH A spiciness comes to the forefront in notes of chilli peppers, along with cherry menthol and the continuation of the peat smoke.

57.1% ABV

UK RRP £60 – £64

Updated Online Diploma Now Available

Our online Diploma in Single Malt Whisky has been refreshed for 2026, bringing the world of whisky right up to date. The World Whiskies module, now authored by leading whisky writer Dave Broom, explores global styles, traditions and flavour profiles, while Iain Russell adds new in-depth video discussions with Dave in the History module, providing clarity, debate and engaging insight.

The Diploma’s tasting pack has also been updated, with six carefully selected whiskies (in addition to the nine samples that accompany the blind Sensory element of the final assessment). Current students can access all updates immediately via their learner Dashboard, while new candidates can join to experience the most up-to-date, SQA-certified whisky qualification available.

🛒 Learn More

Victoria Whisky Festival Exclusive Casks – Meikle Toir, Stillhead & Signatory Bunnahabhain

Adam and Andrew discuss the trilogy of smoky single casks that debuted at the 20th Victoria Whisky Festival here in Victoria BC Canada. Discover an Islay infused 100% rye whisky crafted right here on Vancouver Island by Stillhead. Canada’s first ever single cask Meikle Toir from Billy Walker’s GlenAllachie distillery in Speyside. And our first ever exclusive cask from Islay, a 12 year heavily peated Bunnahabhain from our friends at Signatory Vintage!

Stillhead

The Hebridean Cascadian (Victoria Whisky Festival Islay Cask Rye)

Meikle Tòir

Victoria Whisky Festival Single Cask Ex-PX

Bunnahabhain

Signatory 2013 Heavily Peated Victoria Whisky Festival Exclusive

The Great American Whiskey Collection Shatters Records 

at Sotheby’s New York

Landmark Sale Achieves $2.5 Million — Now the Most Valuable American Whiskey Collection Ever Sold

Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel “Sam’s” Fetches $162,500

— Most Valuable Bottle of American Whiskey Ever Sold at Auction — 

Van Winkle 18 Year Old Special Reserve Single Barrel “Binny’s” 

Realizes $106,250

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits, on the rostrum during the sale of The Great American Whiskey Collection

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits, said: “This was a landmark moment for American whiskey. Breaking the record for the most valuable American whiskey collection ever sold is a testament to the extraordinary rarity and quality of this collection, as well as the passion and expertise of collectors worldwide. The enthusiasm from bidders was phenomenal, reflecting a global appreciation for American whiskey that continues to grow year after year. This exceptional auction has propelled Bourbon and Rye into a new stratosphere of desirability.”

New York, 25 January — History was made last night at Sotheby’s New York, where The Great American Whiskey Collection achieved $2.5 million, becoming the most valuable single-owner American whiskey collection ever sold at auction and the most valuable single-owner spirits auction ever held in New York. More than doubling its low pre-sale estimate (est. $1.17–1.68 million), the sale drew intense competition from determined collectors online, on the phones, and in the room for some of the rarest and most coveted Bourbon and Rye ever bottled, many of which set new auction records.

The white-glove auction, held at Sotheby’s new global headquarters in the iconic Breuer Building on Madison Avenue, marked the first-ever live, single-owner American whiskey sale in history. As part of the campaign for the auction, Sotheby’s installed a specially designed pop-up bar within The Breuer to prominently display the collection, allowing collectors and visitors to experience the bottles up close in an immersive setting. The meticulously curated collection featured 360 exceptional bottles, ranging from Old Rip Van Winkle and Old Fitzgerald to Red Hook Rye and beyond. The sale was a remarkable success, with 100% of lots sold and 89% exceeding their high estimates. With demand for American whiskeys invariably domestic and spread across the United States, 96% of the lots were acquired by collectors based in North America. Notably, nearly a third of buyers were new to Sotheby’s, with over half aged 40 or younger.

The top lot was a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 20 Year Old Single Barrel “Sam’s” (1982), which shattered records by selling for $162,500 (est. $70,000–100,000), making it the most valuable bottle of  American whiskey ever sold at auction*. Hailed as one of the most legendary bottles of Kentucky bourbon ever produced, the “Sam’s” is also the highest-proof Van Winkle release in history, bottled at an extraordinary 133.4 proof. With only 60 hand-numbered bottles ever made, it ranks among the rarest American whiskeys in existence. Last night’s sale marked the first time the “Sam’s” appeared at auction in over a decade.

Zev Glesta, Sotheby’s Whiskey Specialist, commented: “This sale represents a defining moment for American whiskey at auction, underscoring the legendary status of the Van Winkle name and the extraordinary significance of the ‘Sam’s’ Old Rip Van Winkle. The result reflects the continued maturation of the global market for the rarest American whiskeys and a growing appreciation for the craftsmanship, heritage, and rarity that define the very best of American distilling. A bottle of this calibre is not just a collector’s item but a piece of American whiskey history.”

The sale was further propelled by an exceptional offering of private-label bottles, exclusive single barrels, and historic releases now virtually impossible to source, many of which appeared at auction for the first time and went on to set new records. Highlights included:

• Van Winkle 18 Year Old “Binny’s” (1985, 121.6 proof) achieved $106,250 (est. $60,000–80,000). Distilled at the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery in 1985, the Van Winkle Special Reserve 18 Year Old Single Cask was hand-selected exclusively for Binny’s, one of Chicago’s most renowned liquor stores. Bottled at full cask strength—an extraordinary 121.6 proof, the third-highest ever for a Van Winkle—fewer than 100 bottles were produced, with most long since consumed. This auction marked the first appearance of the “Binny’s” Van Winkle at Sotheby’s.
• Very Very Old Fitzgerald “Blackhawk” 18 Year Old (1950, 121.0 proof) sold for $112,500, more than double its low estimate (est. $50,000–80,000). One of the rarest and most sought-after bourbons ever released, it was a private bottling exclusively for the Wirtz family, owners of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Wirtz Corporation. No “Blackhawk” bottles were ever available publicly, and they were likely gifted only to close family, friends, and associates. The “Blackhawk” series includes just three extremely rare bottlings: this 18 Year Old and a 15 Year Old (both distilled in 1950), and a 12 Year Old, distilled in 1951 and bottled in 1963—also part of The Great American Whiskey Collection, it sold for $60,000 (est. $40,000 – 50,000).
• Van Winkle 18 Year Old Family Reserve “Park Avenue Liquor Shop” (105.2 Proof) sold for $62,500 (est. $26,000 – 45,000). This private-label bottling for Jonathan Goldstein at Park Avenue Liquor Shop in Manhattan has not appeared at auction in more than a decade. Originally retailing for $75, it is one of only three 18 Year Old Van Winkle bottlings ever known to have been produced, all of which were sold in this auction.
• Four determined bidders competed for the O.F.C. Bourbon Whiskey 115 Proof 1909 (1 Quart), driving the final price to $47,500—well above its pre-sale estimate of $13,000–18,000.

Among the record-setting lots from last night’s sale were:

•  Old Rip Van Winkle 18 Year Old Blue Smoke 92.6 Proof NV sold for $37,500, (est. $18,000 – 24,000)
• Twisted Spoke 16 Year Old 105 Proof NV achieved $32,500 (est. $12,000 – 16,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old ‘Delilah’s 10th Anniversary’ 100 Proof NV sold for $30,000 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Van Winkle 19 Year Old Special Reserve Corti Brothers 45.7 abv 1975 realized $35,000 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Van Winkle 19 Year Old Special Reserve Corti Brothers 90.4 Proof NV fetched $35,000 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• J.W. Gottlieb Private Stock Straight Rye 13 Year Old 95.6 Proof 1984 sold for $56,250 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle Old Advocate Special Reserve 15 Year Old 107 Proof NV doubled its pre-sale high estimate to achieve $40,000 (est, $15,000 – 20,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle 15 Year Old Woodside Partner’s Reserve 92.4 Proof 1988 sold for $43,750 (est. 15,000 – 20,000)
• Old Rip Van Winkle Bottled In Bond 100 Proof 1917 realized $47,500 (est. $15,000 – 20,000)
• Pappy Van Winkle’s 20 Year Old Family Reserve Single Barrel ‘City Grocery 20th Anniversary’ 90.4 Proof NV made $30,000 (est. $12,000 – 16,000).

Please refer to the sale page for individual lot results.

Notes 

*The previous record for the most valuable single-owner auction of an American whiskey collection was held by The Thoroughbred Collection, which achieved $965,813 in 2021.

*The previous record for the most valuable single bottle of post-prohibition American whiskey was $125,000 for a one-of-a-kind bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle ‘Van Winkle Selection’ Kentucky Bourbon Festival Master Distiller’s Auction 2007, a price that includes buyer’s premium and tax.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City.

 *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Our first Creators Collection of the year is here. Fortified: Adventures in Australian wine casks is the ultimate flight in sweet wine casks from Down Under. Here’s more about the collection from our head of whisky creation, Euan Campbell…

“Fortified wine casks are ideally suited to the maturation of Scotch whisky, and at the Society we are great advocates of the sherry cask. In our Fortified collection, we go further afield to explore casks from halfway around the world with a selection of whiskies matured in Australian fortified wine casks. Join us to expand your cask horizons and experience something truly special.”

WATCH THE VIDEO

Tawny – one to try if you enjoy port cask-matured whiskies
Muscat – If you have tried whisky matured in moscatel casks before, this one’s for you
Fortified chardonnay casks – incredibly rare, quite frankly indescribably beautiful and rich, golden raisin whisky here

The full collection is now available online and in our Members’ Rooms.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Our February 2026 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 22nd February 2026.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Glenfarclas – 40 Year Old (Millennium)

Mortlach – 30 Year Old (Midnight Malt) 2023 Special Release

Tobermory – 42 Year Old (1973)

Whistlepig – 21 Year Old (The Beholden) 75cl

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

The Rise of English Whisky

When you think of traditional whisky-making countries, two immediately come to mind: Scotland and Ireland. But what of the rest of the British Isles? The new millennium has brought with it a new wave of whisky making around the world, and England has not escaped, with more than 60 whisky distilleries now laying down spirit.

Learn More                          Shop Now

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 594: Ben Nevis 26 Year Old 1998 Liquid Art

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, has a headache… not really. Headache is the name of the beautiful artwork by none other than Fred Bervoets, which Liquid Art, in collaboration with Galerie De Zwarte Panter from Antwerp, used as a label. And we all know that 1995 to 1999 are very fine vintages for Ben Nevis, so this will undoubtedly be a treat.

https://youtu.be/M6MYJDLNSjY