The Good Dram Show – Episode 603 ‘High West Distillery’ – Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the High West distillery in Utah.
#Ardbeg #Islay #ArdbegAnthology #ArdbegTheBeithirsTale
EXPERIMENTAL SINGLE MALT COILS DESIGNER CASKS’ SWEETNESS AROUND ARDBEG’S HALLMARK HERBAL TONES
< Aged 15 years, Ardbeg The Beithir’s Tale is the finale to Distillery’s Anthology series of mythical malts >
Ardbeg Islay single malt whisky today unveils an aromatic and creamy 15-year-old limited edition – the finale to its Anthology series of rare and strange single malts. Named after a mythological, serpent-like beast, Ardbeg Anthology: The Beithir’s Tale is the Distillery’s first whisky matured in designer bourbon casks. Crafted to Ardbeg’s particular specifications, these casks wind full-bellied flavours of smoked butter and vanilla round the whisky’s classic notes of menthol and pine.
Ardbeg Anthology is a trilogy of unusual single malts which cross classic Ardbeg with experimental stock to create sweeter, more delicate tones. Capturing the “hybrid” characters of these whiskies, each malt’s name and packaging are inspired by a different mythological creature said to have been glimpsed on Islay. The bad-tempered beithir may (or may not), have once slithered through an Ardbeg warehouse.
Years ago, the Distillery’s whisky creators laid down a parcel of Ardbeg in designer bourbon casks, eager to explore their effects on its smoky, balanced spirit for the first time. Air-seasoned – rather than kiln-dried – then heavily toasted and lightly charred exactly as they asked, these bespoke casks promised to bring fuller, creamier flavours to Ardbeg. Matured for 15 years, the experiment has reached a sweet and aromatic peak. The Beithir’s Tale overflows with these buttery notes, balanced by Ardbeg’s hallmark smoky tones and sharp tangs of eucalyptus and pine.
The Beithir’s Tale completes the Anthology series, joining The Harpy’s Tale – a 13-year-old marriage of classic Ardbeg with the Distillery’s first whisky matured in Sauternes sweet white wine casks – and The Unicorn’s Tale, aged 14 years, which unites bourbon-matured Ardbeg with whisky wholly aged in Madeira wine casks.
Master Blender Gillian Macdonald said: “We are always pushing the boundaries of Ardbeg to discover even more flavour combinations. The sweet and smoky ‘hybrids’ of Ardbeg Anthology are as experimental as they come.
“Created from whisky matured in our designer casks, The Beithir’s Tale is the aromatic and sweet finale of our Anthology series. Named after a mythological, serpentine beast, this 15-year-old whisky invites notes of vanilla and smoked butter to slide through Ardbeg’s classic aromatic flavours of peat smoke, fennel, eucalyptus and pine. Rather like the beithir, it is smooth and mysterious… with a smoky, menthol bite!”
Ardbeg Anthology: The Beithir’s Tale has been recognised with the Spirit Gold Outstanding 2025 award (98 points) at this year’s International Wine & Spirits Competition and a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge.
Priced at £135 with an ABV of 46%, Ardbeg Anthology: The Beithir’s Tale will be available for purchase on ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, at the Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay and in selected whisky specialists.
RRP £135
For exclusive Ardbeg news and releases, fans and whisky lovers can sign up to the Ardbeg Committee by visiting www.ardbeg.com/ardbeg/committee . Membership is free, and all Ardbeg fans are welcome.
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Tasting notes
ABV 46%
Colour Pale Straw
Aroma Pungent, oily and spicy. Rich notes of treacle wrap around creosote and smoked herbs. Toasted apples and raisins reveal a sweeter underbelly. With water, eucalyptus and menthol burst forth as fennel and pine trail behind.
Taste Astoundingly balanced. A sizzling mouthfeel leads into peat smoke, coffee grounds and currants. Sweet lemon balm entwines with smoked mandarins, followed by a sharp, smoky tang.
Finish Long and meandering, with subtle hints of vanilla and smoked butter.
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.
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 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. In 2025, Ardbeg 17 Years Old was awarded Best Scotch Islay Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards, and the distillery was also recognised with the Category Winner awards for Ardbeg 25 Years Old and Ardbeg Corryvreckan. At the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Ardbeg Ten and Ardbeg 25 Years Old were recognised with Double Gold awards. At the 2025 International Spirits Competition, Ardbeg Seann Chreag 21 Years Old and Ardbeg Vintage_Y2K were both awarded Double Gold.
Ardbeg’s Anthology series: This experimental collection comprises three rare and experimental Ardbegs, each created from intriguing cask combinations entirely new to the Distillery. Each whisky in the series takes its name from a different mythological creature.
The Harpy’s Tale: The series’ first single malt was released in August 2023. Aged for 13 years in a combination of classic bourbon and sweet Sauternes wine casks, this unique Ardbeg is characterised by a tussle between powerful smoke and rich sweetness.
The Unicorn’s Tale: The second whisky in the collection combines classic Ardbeg aged in bourbon casks with whisky fully matured in Malmsey Madeira casks – the sweetest and most prized of the Madeira wines.
The Beithir’s Tale: The Anthology’s third and final release is Ardbeg’s first single malt to be matured in designer bourbon casks. These bespoke casks help to create the 5-year-old whisky’s fuller, creamier flavours.
Ardbeg’s designer casks
These casks are created bespoke to Ardbeg’s specifications from slow-growth American oak. That wood is carefully chosen for its high concentrations of naturally occurring compounds which bring creamier textures to the whisky. The oak is air-seasoned – a technique which breaks down its internal structure to release softer, sweeter flavours than quicker, kiln drying achieves. Its casks are then lightly toasted and heavily charred to Ardbeg’s precise specifications, before being filled with bourbon for at least four years, for seasoning. Interacting with Ardbeg’s spirit over time, these designer casks bring a sweeter, creamier profile to the whisky.
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.
BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES SAZERAC RYE WHISKEY 100 PROOF: A BOLDER, SPICIER RYE CRAFTED FOR COCKTAILS
Bartender requested for years, the introduction of Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof celebrates mixology culture and delivers a more robust flavor that elevates classic cocktails
FRANKFORT, KY (July 21, 2025) – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces a new, higher-proof addition to its renowned Sazerac Rye Whiskey portfolio, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof. Developed in response to demand from bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts, this innovative expression is designed to offer enhanced flavor, versatility and control in cocktail creation while maintaining the smooth, approachable profile that defines Sazerac Rye.
After extensive development to ensure the elevated proof complements rather than overwhelms its signature flavor, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof delivers a richer, more structured whiskey that stands up beautifully in both bold and classic cocktails such as the Sazerac and Manhattan.
“As the whiskey of America’s first cocktail, Sazerac Rye has played a central role in rye whiskey’s resurgence,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Bartenders have increasingly embraced 100 proof ryes for the balance, strength and versatility they provide. Sazerac Rye 100 Proof offers greater control over flavor and balance, empowering creativity behind the bar. It’s built to be the perfect cocktail whiskey.”
A longtime favorite among bartenders, Sazerac Rye Whiskey honors both the character of New Orleans and the history of American spirits. Known for its spicy, peppery, and dry profile, rye whiskey plays a vital role in cocktails that demand a harmony of sweet and dry ingredients.
“Sazerac Rye 100 Proof was crafted specifically with bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts in mind,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. With the renewed interest in classic cocktails that rely on a rye whiskey base, we focused on ensuring this higher-proof spirit delivers complexity and structure without losing its signature profile. We’re proud of the result and look forward to seeing it elevate cocktails around the world.”
Similar to its 90-proof counterpart, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof features aromas of clove, vanilla, anise, and pepper. On the palate, it reveals subtle notes of candied spices and citrus, leading to a smooth finish with hints of licorice. The higher proof amplifies these flavors, offering a richer, more balanced drinking experience.
As of July 1, 2025, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof is now available at retailers, bars and restaurants in select markets via Sazerac’s United States distributor networks at a suggested retail price of $29.99 per 1L bottle; taxes and fees will vary by market.
Additionally, Sazerac Rye Whiskey 100 Proof joins the Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS) program as its newest single barrel offering. This provides select accounts the opportunity to hand-pick their own barrel of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof. As part of the launch celebration, the first 100 on-premise accounts to select a barrel will receive a limited-edition commemorative barrelhead to display in their bar or restaurant.
For more information, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American, family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.
New: Arran Signature Series 3 Duero Discovery
Arran Signature Series Edition 3 ‘Duero Discovery’ is a cracking limited release, with just 15,049 bottles out there, each one chosen and signed by the Distillery Manager, Stewart Bowman. Sitting at a bold 50% ABV, this 12-year-old unpeated Single Malt starts life in bourbon barrels before being finished in rich Spanish red wine casks, all matured in a dunnage warehouse at Lochranza.
Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.
Nose: Caramelised fruit, toasted hazelnuts and a wee hint of grapefruit zest.
Palate: Full-bodied and packed with flavours of dark berries, creamy vanilla, warming spice and a touch of aniseed.
Finish: Long and moreish, leaving behind soft vanilla, toasted oak, and a lovely sweet note.
12 months of unlimited next day delivery & more! Exclusive access to Ballots as you enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year – only £14.99! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs.
It’s been a brilliant few weeks for whisky education across the globe and we’re proud to see so many of our international educators sharing the EWA approach in their corners of the world.
In Dubai, we were delighted to deliver our flagship Diploma in Single Malt Whisky to an enthusiastic group of candidates at Barrels & Beyond. Huge thanks to the ever-passionate Bharat Rathore and his team for being great hosts.
Over in Austin, Texas, The Whisk(e)y Marketing School‘s Daniel Whittington welcomed two groups to the legendary Wizard Academy for the Certificate in Irish Whiskey and Certificate in Sensory Appreciation.
Meanwhile in Türkiye, Yiğit Akdemir of Uzkeba made history by hosting the country’s first in-person Certificate in American Single Malt Whiskey – a huge milestone for whisky education in the region. Yiğit was the first educator to come on board as an Approved Course Provider. He has now delivered more than 50 Certificate courses and has certified more than 450 candidates which is a huge achievement.
Back in Scotland, we’re looking ahead to our next in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky, happening at the Port of Leith Distillery on 15 & 16 September 2025. With a few spaces still available, it’s a great opportunity to gain a globally recognised qualification in an exceptional setting right in the heart of Edinburgh.
Brilliant Bourbon
Get your cocktail shaker out and try some of these fabulous summer cocktails. We’ve chosen the most sun-drenched drinks recipes from our favourite American whiskey brands to quench your thirst during everyone’s favourite season.
Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯
Fielden Whisky reveals Hazybower, the second release in the
Fieldnotes Collection, celebrating the flora of the English countryside
Fielden Whisky announces the release of Hazybower, the second chapter in its acclaimed Fieldnotes whisky collection: a vibrant tribute to the wild herbs and flowers that grow naturally among the grains in England’s biodiverse fields.
Limited to just 1,000 individually numbered bottles, Hazybower continues Fielden’s Fieldnotes story that started with Hedgerow in 2024. This year’s distinctive expression captures the fresh, floral spirit of the English countryside.
Crafted from a unique blend of heritage rye, wheat and barley, the grains have been grown as diverse field mixtures, including traditional maslin (a historical method of cultivating rye and wheat together). Fermented and distilled with grain in both pot and column stills, Hazybower has been matured primarily in re-used American oak casks – previously used for Fielden’s signature rye whisky – to preserve and elevate the pure grain character. A portion was also fully matured in an old Hungarian oak Tokaji (sweet) wine cask, enhancing the whisky’s floral and citrus notes with layers of honey and spice.
A Love Letter to the Fields:
Fieldnotes is Fielden’s four-part exploration of the flavour pillars behind its signature rye whisky. Each chapter is inspired by a different element of the field ecosystem. As the second chapter, Hazybower celebrates the wildflowers, herbs and resilient plants that cohabit Fielden’s regeneratively farmed grain fields – clover, poppies, thistles, mayweed, and more.
Last year’s release – Hedgerow – revealed the complexity and diversity of an English hedgerow from blossoms, to berries and ripe rosehips, with a hazel and darker nut finish.
Fielden’s whiskymaker Chico Rosa said: “While conventional agriculture often suppresses diversity, we aim to champion it here at Fielden. These plants aren’t just beautiful – they contribute to healthy soils, resilient crops and complex, layered flavour. With Hazybower, we are bringing that diversity into your glass via the flavour and texture of this spirit. The result is a whisky that evokes hazy summer days in the English countryside – freshly cut herbs, meadow flowers and lemon tart in the evening sun. Balanced by our signature spice of rye and a mellow freshness, we hope that Hazybower is both a sensory journey and a statement of our regenerative farming values worth sipping.”
Fielden is rewriting the rules of whisky-making with a philosophy grounded in a simple truth: whisky is an agricultural product. Instead of relying on industrial farming practices – like agrichemical inputs, frequent ploughing, and monoculture crops – Fielden takes a regenerative approach working with farmers across England. They plant diverse grains, grown amongst clover – a natural fertiliser that helps the soil stay healthy. They never use chemical inputs on the land, and minimise soil disturbance. This “No Chem Regen” way of farming nurtures healthy soils, clear waters and flourishing biodiversity, and encourages crop resilience, helping to cut agriculture’s giant carbon footprint.
The result? Fields full of life. Whisky full of flavour.
This summer whisky lovers can also enjoy Fielden at Hotel Café Royal in London at the Fielden Terrace – opening from 22nd July – 1st September. Visitors can enjoy a selection of refreshing Fielden cocktails including the signature Rye Old Fashioned, Fielden Highball and the Harvest Julep (featuring the limited edition Harvest 2019 edition).
Availability:
Hazybower is available from 6th August via Fielden’s website and Berry Bros. & Rudd, while stocks last.
RRP: £102.50, ABV: 46.3%.
Hazybower Tasting Notes:
About Fielden:
What’s whisky got to do with farming? Everything. Whisky is an agricultural product, but most grain is grown industrially, with chemicals. Not on Fielden’s farms. Fielden is bringing England’s fields back to life by planting diverse grains that thrive without chemicals – letting nature take the lead. Their farmers are kind to their land and never use chemicals. Instead, the grain grows in clover, a natural fertiliser that helps the soil stay healthy. This no chem regen way of farming nurtures healthy soils, clear waters and flourishing biodiversity in their fields, helping to cut agriculture’s giant carbon footprint. The grain grows tall and strong. The fields are wild and glorious. And the whisky is full of flavour: think warm flaky pastry, butter and caramel. Is it the grains? Is it the magic of nature?
Who knows – and honestly, does it matter? Fielden are putting the best (completely natural) ingredients into their stills, making a distinctly delicious rye whisky that’s changing farming for the better. Fielden: the English whisky that’s changing farming for the better, field by field, harvest by harvest.
Fields Full of Life. Whisky Full of Flavour.
Our Estate 10 Year Old is getting a great response — and it’s easy to see (and taste) why. Made entirely with barley from the Shelter Point Farm, this whisky is a true expression of our location. The nose reflects the view of a field full of ripening barley, honey sweetness with hints of apple and orange blossom. This continues on the palate where the creamy mouthfeel delivers nutty, vanilla richness. Turning to face the forest and the ocean the finish brings a buttery salty-ness with hints of dark chocolate, leather and tobacco. Very few whiskies in the world can claim to be grown, distilled and bottled in the same location. We are proud to present this unique Ten Year Old Estate Whisky. It truly encapsulates the flavours of this beautiful location.
4692 Regent Road
Campbell River, BC
V9H 1E3 Canada
We’re delighted to introduce a refined new look for our multi-award winning Glengoyne 18 Year Old and 21 Year Old Sherry Oak whiskies. Thoughtfully crafted from fully recyclable, locally sourced materials, this new packaging reflects our enduring commitment to sustainability. It’s a graceful evolution that celebrates the exceptional whisky within while caring for the world around us.
Unfold the elegant gatefold pack, and you’ll uncover a captivating image by local photographer Richard Fox. His lens captures the breathtaking view from the summit of Dumgoyne Hill – the iconic peak that watches over our distillery. It’s a heartfelt reminder of where every bottle begins its journey, offering a sense of place and connection to our cherished home, no matter where in the world you enjoy your dram.
Discover Glengoyne 18 Year Old
Discover Glengoyne 21 Year Old Sherry Oak
