Coveted releases arrive exclusively at Hank’s
Kuala Lumpur, 28 January 2026 — Renowned Islay distillery Ardbeg unveils three limited edition single malt whiskies, now exclusively available at Hank’s. As part of Ardbeg’s Maison esteemed portfolio, the expressions highlight the distillery’s relentless pursuit of innovation, craftsmanship and collectability.
Ardbeg Smokiverse
Held annually on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt, Fèis Ìle, Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg. 2025 marks an important chapter for Ardbeg, celebrating 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee alongside the arrival of the Ardbeg Smokiverse.
This limited edition is Ardbeg’s first whisky crafted using a pioneering high-gravity mash, a technique that reduces water during mashing to intensify flavour-active esters, resulting in a distinctly vibrant, tropical and fruit-forward spirit.
Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team began experimenting some years ago with the mashing process, in which malted barley is converted into fermentable sugars. One of their experiments involved reducing the amount of water used in the packed mash tun. This unconventional “high-gravity” mash magnified the intensity of flavour-active compounds known as acetate esters, leading to a fruitier, more tropical spirit.
Aged in bourbon casks, the whisky unveils layers of muscovado sugar, ripe barley, and toasted sourdough bread, all culminating in a burst of ripe tropical fruits and sweet peat.
Dr Bill Lumsden MBE, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, said: “The first whisky we have ever made with a high-gravity mash, Ardbeg Smokiverse takes our single malt’s classic peaty character to a new frontier of flavour. By ramping up the density of our wort to new heights, we’ve drawn in fruitier, sweeter flavours from the deepest corners of the mash tun.
Upon first sip, you can expect a vibrant burst of fruity, ester notes, rather like smoked bubblegum, along with aromas of barley. Then peaty notes collide with juicy, tropical fruits, before sinking into a rich depth of muscovado sugar.”
Ardbeg Anthology: The Beithir’s Tale (15 Years Old)
Ardbeg Anthology is a trilogy of unusual single malts that combine classic Ardbeg with experimental stock to create sweeter, more delicate tones. Capturing the “hybrid” characters of these whiskies, each release is inspired by different mythological creatures said to have been glimpsed on Islay.
The final chapter in the Anthology trilogy — following The Harpy’s Tale and The Unicorn’s Tale — The Beithir’s Tale is the distillery’s first whisky matured in designer bourbon casks. Years ago, the whisky creation team laid down a parcel of spirit in these bespoke casks to explore their effects on Ardbeg’s smoky, balanced character.
Air-seasoned rather than kiln-dried, then heavily toasted and lightly charred, the casks promised to bring fuller, creamier flavours to Ardbeg.
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!”
The release has earned critical acclaim, including a Spirit Gold Outstanding 2025 award (98 points) at the International Wine & Spirits Competition and a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge.
Ardbeg 19 Years Old – Traigh Bhan Batch 7
Ardbeg Islay single malt whisky unveils the final small-batch release of its impossibly balanced 19-year-old whisky, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan (pronounced “Tri-Van”). For seven years, the distillery has bottled an annual limited batch of this rare and ever-changing dram.
Inspired by the Islay’s beautiful Traigh Bhan beach, also known as the Singing Sands, each batch of Ardbeg’s whisky is seductively smooth, with rugged flavour notes breaking the surface.
Batch 7 is aged in a combination of bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, just as its predecessors were. However, with a higher proportion of first-fill sherry casks than ever before, the final bottling subtly tips the scales towards Ardbeg’s sherried side. Rich salted toffee and espresso come to the fore, underpinned by warming spices. These notes find harmony with more classic Ardbeggian aromas of coal dust, lemon peel and mint.
Bottled at a higher strength of 50.3% ABV (higher than previous batches’ ABV of 46.2%), the concluding release magnifies Traigh Bhan’s rare harmony of flavour and its famed “impossible balance”.
According to David Pender, Ardbeg’s Whisky Stock & Blending Manager, “Ardbeg Traigh Bhan draws inspiration from one of my favourite places on the island. Tasting the differences between each release over the years has been a fascinating journey. I hope Ardbeg fans will relish the opportunity to discuss them all while savouring a dram of this final batch.”
Master Blender Gillian Macdonald added, “Each batch of Ardbeg Traigh Bhan reveals unique variations in the whisky, while still maintaining its ‘impossible’ balance – and Batch 7 is no exception. By adding more Oloroso sherry casks to the recipe, we have brought waves of ginger, cumin and toffee to Ardbeg’s medicinal smoke, citrus notes and hints of jasmine and fresh mint. As this is the last batch to be created, we have intensified the whisky’s character with a higher ABV. So, I can say for certain that Ardbeg Traigh Bhan will go out on a high!”
Also Available: Ardbeg 19 Years Old – Traigh Bhan Batch 6
Alongside the three latest exclusive releases, Ardbeg 19 Years Old – Traigh Bhan Batch 6 is also available at Hank’s, as well as other select retail outlets. Aged in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, Batch 6 presents as a delicate balance of olive oil and newly mown lawn grass, layered with classic Ardbeg notes.
According to Master Blender Gillian Macdonald, “With more refill bourbon casks in the recipe than previous bottlings, Batch 6 overflows with more of Ardbeg’s hallmark smoky notes of soot, dark chocolate, coffee and peppermint, alongside a groundswell of olive oil, baking bread, and ginger.”
Together, the four expressions reflect Ardbeg’s uncompromising approach to whisky-making from experimental production techniques and bespoke cask design to the final chapter of one of Islay’s most distinctive modern single malts. Available across 50 Hank’s outlets nationwide and via the Grab app, the collection offers a rare opportunity for collectors and smoky-malt enthusiasts alike.
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