Must-See Pricing on a "Real-Deal Old-School Ardbeg"

Ardbeg 19 Year "Traigh Bhan - 2023 Release" Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Previously $375) ($199.99)

This exceptional expression from Islay's renowned south shore is among the few long-matured Islay whiskies available today. The striking rocky coastline stretching from Port Ellen to Ardbeg culminates at the picturesque Traigh Bhan beach, known locally as the Singing Sands. Pronounced "Tri-van," Traigh Bhan translates to "heavenly vista," perfectly encapsulating the allure of both the location and the spirit. While visiting this magical locale offers an unparalleled experience, a fleeting moment of its essence can be captured through this exquisite whisky.

The 2023 release of Traigh Bhan marks the fifth batch in Ardbeg's series of 19-year-old single malts, bottled in small quantities at 46.2% ABV. Matured in a combination of Oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels, this whisky showcases Ardbeg's signature smoky profile, which, after years of aging, evolves to reveal remarkable tropical aromas. According to Ardbeg, the nose presents perfumed aromas of luscious tropical fruit, followed by notes of herbal incense and smoke.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 27, 2025

The Ardbeg distillery is one of the world's most exceptional distillers, and we're always excited to see these older age statements, but they've become so limited and expensive it's very difficult to imagine opening these collectible bottles. Now the supplier is sitting on a release from 2 years ago—after somehow selling through the more current release at normal prices—and now we can finally sell the product at a price I'm willing to crack a bottle and enjoy!

Let's have a go! The color is a gorgeous deep gold. HOLY heavens, this is real-deal old-school Ardbeg here. Huge notes of salty fish, dense wet peat, turpentine, diesel fumes, bitumen, bakhoor, sweetened mango, pina colada... it's very big and tense. It loves air and continues to open for ages. The palate is exceptionally lifted and, while retaining the tarry smoke, hits hard with the salt spray and the lemon oils. Zingy and bright at first, and then pulled down by dark, deep, ashy intensity—white smoke, roasted bay leaf, guava, sweet coconut, and a dense nuttiness to remind us of the sherry component! This is exceptionally special whisky, and it doesn't deserve to be discounted, really, but at this price it's an astonishing old Islay that no lover of the 'Beg should miss.