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Key Takeaways
Ardbeg Eureka! celebrates 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee with a limited-edition release.
Inspired by Operation Smokescreen, the whisky reflects the diverse palate of Committee members.
Aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry and bourbon casks, Eureka! offers complex, smoky, and fruity flavors.
Available exclusively to Ardbeg Committee members starting February 27 for £72 ($90).
Ardbeg continues its expansion with the upcoming Ardbeg House hotel opening in 2025.
A Whisky Inspired by Its Fans
The Glenmorangie Company has unveiled Ardbeg Eureka!, a special limited-edition whisky crafted to honor the 25th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee. Available exclusively to members, the release is a tribute to the community of devoted Ardbeg fans who have played a crucial role in shaping the distillery’s modern identity.
Operation Smokescreen: A Unique Creation Process
The Ardbeg Committee, founded in 2000, began as a passionate collective dedicated to ensuring the survival of the Islay distillery. Now boasting over 200,000 members across 140 countries, the Committee has been instrumental in spreading the word about Ardbeg’s peated malts.
To mark this milestone, Ardbeg’s whisky creators sought inspiration directly from Committee members. The development of Ardbeg Eureka! was rooted in Operation Smokescreen, a blind tasting held on Ardbeg Day 2023. One hundred members from 15 countries sampled and analyzed five different experimental Ardbeg expressions. Their feedback guided Director of Whisky Creation Dr. Bill Lumsden and Master Blender Gillian Macdonald in crafting a whisky that reflects the collective palate of Ardbeg’s most dedicated supporters.
The Flavor Profile
Eureka! is a blend of whisky matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and roasted malt whisky aged in bourbon casks, resulting in a layered and complex profile. Expect an inviting nose of juicy red apples, cherries, and signature Ardbeg smoke, followed by flavors of nut toffee brittle, raisin fudge, and dark fruits. The finish is long and chewy, with lingering treacle toffee and smoldering embers. Bottled at 52.2% ABV, it offers an intense yet balanced experience, embodying the diversity of the Committee’s taste preferences.
Exclusive Release for Ardbeg Committee Members
Ardbeg Eureka! will be available exclusively to Committee members through the distillery’s website from February 27, priced at £72 ($90). A limited number of bottles will also be available for visitors at the distillery itself. This release underscores Ardbeg’s commitment to rewarding its loyal following with unique and innovative expressions.
“The Committee has been the lifeblood of Ardbeg for a quarter of a century – you won’t find a more passionate bunch of smoky malt lovers anywhere else,” said Jackie Thomson, Committee Chair and Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre Manager. “Ardbeg Eureka! is an exuberant reward for our members’ dedication. Slàinte mhath to 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee.”
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Ardbeg
Ardbeg’s anniversary celebrations extend beyond Eureka!. The distillery recently opened bookings for its upcoming Ardbeg House hotel, set to welcome guests on Islay in autumn 2025. However, the journey has not been without challenges—Storm Éowyn in January caused damage to the distillery’s roof and sea wall, a reminder of the rugged environment that shapes Ardbeg’s character.
As Ardbeg marks this milestone, its unwavering connection to its global fanbase remains stronger than ever. The success of the Committee and the creation of Eureka! prove that Ardbeg is more than just a whisky—it is a community-driven legacy that continues to evolve with every dram poured.
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