Moët Hennessy Travel Retail has released Ardbeg Smoketrails, the first series from the Scotch single malt whisky brand that is exclusive to travel retail. The collection explores the influence of different casks from around the world on the signature Ardbeg style. It is available at selected airports and at the Ardbeg Distillery.
The Islay distillery’s first release in the new series, Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition, marries malt matured in Ardbeg American oak casks with Manzanilla sherry casks from Sanlúcar de Barrameda on Spain’s Atlantic coast. The result, said the brand owner, is a “salty, maritime character combined with a powerful blast of classic Ardbeg smoke”.
Ardbeg Distillery Manager Colin Gordon said: “For each Smoketrails release we’ll pack our suitcase and zig-zag across the globe in search of new flavour adventures – in this case, to the Spanish coast for the finest Manzanilla casks. With a unique batch code on this and future bottlings, we hope Ardbeggians will jump at the chance to get their hands on this delectable, collectable dram when they are on their travels.”
Ardbeg Master Distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden said: “In Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition, salty sea spray and deep, nutty notes mingle with pungent aromas of soot, dark chocolate and Brazil nuts. Clouds of pine and fennel fill the senses with notes of saddle soap and aniseed trailing gently behind. All I have to say to anybody who lays their hands on a bottle is… get ready for a smoky blast!”
Moët Hennessy has partnered with Dufry and Heathrow Airport to unveil Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition in a Terminal 5 pop-up which began in October and continues to 30 November.
This includes an interactive experience with ‘Shortie’, the distillery mascot, through the Ardbeg Smoketrails ‘universe’, with the first stop in Spain. They can sample cocktails, taste neat or pair with sea salt chocolate that echoes the hints of salinity and chocolate of the Manzanilla edition. A collector’s bandana is also available to customers at the activation.
“Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition is the first release of a new collection of whiskies exclusive to travel retail, each with a unique cask origin reflecting the travel universe. Limited batches will excite whisky lovers who will most likely buy a bottle to taste and one to collect,” said Moët Hennessy Asia Pacific President, Travel Retail & Private Sales Laurent Boidevezi.
More on this series can be found at Ardbeg.com
