The Harpy’s Tale is the first Ardbeg Anthology — thirteen-year Islay peat finished in Sauternes casks, the sweet Bordeaux dessert wine, bottled at 46% — and Words of Whisky scored it 8.8 for apricot, thyme, and sea spray over medicinal peat. Ardbeg has distilled on Islay’s Kildalton coast since 1815 and was rescued by Glenmorangie in 1997 — LVMH owns both now — with Dr. Bill Lumsden directing the whisky; the Anthology series, launched 2023, is a run of age-stated Ardbegs with unusual casks and mythical-beast labels, and the Harpy — half woman, half bird, sweet and vicious — is the Sauternes one: thirteen-year Ardbeg from ex-bourbon and ex-Sauternes casks, married, bottled at 46% without chill filtration. Words of Whisky: sea spray, peat smoke, olive brine, thyme and oregano, apricot, sunflower oil, and apple compote on the nose; a creamy palate of iodine, medicinal peat, eucalyptus, stone fruit, chargrill, and pine; and a medium-long finish of damp wood smoke, coconut, honey, and chocolate. Wine Enthusiast rated it highly. Honest note: Sauternes and peat is a rare pairing that works — purists may balk, and the reviewers say the fruit balances the smoke beautifully; for the Anthology collector and the drinker who wants an age-stated Ardbeg with a twist. Neat. The Harpy’s Tale, thirteen years.
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