Ardbeg is preparing to launch its latest limited-edition Auriverdes, hoping to continue its award-winning track record for its special releases.

It has been matured in American oak casks with specially toasted cask lids which gives the whisky a distinctive flavour profile. The lids produce a mocha coffee flavour at one end, flowing into creamy vanilla at the other.

The 2014 limited edition will be available from May 31 – Ardbeg Day when the distillery holds an annual celebration. It has been bottled at 49.9% ABV.

The name of Ardbeg Auriverdes derives from the colour of the golden whisky (auri) and Ardbeg’s green bottle (verde). Auriverdes is also the nickname of the national football team of Brazil, hosts of this summer’s World Cup.

It has inspired Ardbeg’s Peat Football tournament which will happen all around the world on Ardbeg Day, culminating in the Ardbeg Swamp Football World Cup on June 28 and 29 in Argyll, Scotland.

Ardbeg Auriverdes follows the highly-acclaimed limited-edition Galileo, which took the title of World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2013.

Dr Bill Lumsden, director of distillation and whisky creation, said: “When creating Auriverdes I had a distinct flavour profile in mind that I wanted to achieve, so I specifically created the heart of the recipe to bring that to life.

“It is an expression of Ardbeg which has exceeded all my expectations – it has the trademark Ardbeg undertones with a distinct new taste experience. Ardbeg Auriverdes has an explosive mouth-feel which gives way to complex flavours of coffee grounds, liquorice, maple smoked ham, malty/biscuit notes, white pepper and a good sweet/salty balance.”

Ardbeg Day takes place during the Islay Festival (the Feis Ile) which runs from May 23 to 31.





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