I’ve always been a big fan of Ardbeg—so much so that it was the very first distillery we visited on our trip to Scotland. That said, some of their recent releases haven’t quite hit the mark for me—not because of flavor, but because of price. There are exceptions, of course (BizarreBQ was fantastic and I would buy immediately if I found one). So, let’s see how this year’s Anthology series expression measures up.

This release is the second in Ardbeg’s Anthology Collection. The Unicorn Tale combines maturation in traditional bourbon casks with Madeira casks. Its concept is rooted in the mythical story of the lesser-spotted Islay Unicorn, adding a touch of intrigue to the expression.

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Nose: fruity, banana and smoke

Palate: sweet fruits, zesty notes, nutmeg, bready and smoke

Finish: spices, light sweetness and smoke

ABV: 46%

Cost:  $180

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Not going to lie—this one is a big step up from last year’s release, The Harpy’s Tale, at least in my opinion. The balance of sweet, spiced, and smoky notes is exceptional—harmonious without being overwhelming. The sweetness is restrained and works beautifully alongside the spice and smoke, which feels more refined and less dominant than usual. Overall, it’s an impressive expression.

Where it falls short is the price. At $180, it’s hard to justify, even for a whisky of this quality. Good? Absolutely. Worth that price tag? Not in my view.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend people to try it and make up their own minds.