Ardbeg has launched a show-stopping release for Islay's 2024 Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle): its first whisky aged in port casks.

The Ardbeg Spectacular, described by the distillery as an “avante-garde” limited edition, combines its classic bourbon barrel-matured spirit with some that has been wholly matured in port casks, adding “richness and robustness” to its world-famous peated spirit.

Ardbeg master blender Gillian Macdonald said: “Ardbeg Spectacular is a high-flying spirit, very befitting of Ardbeg Day. Its years in bourbon and port casks create a spectacle of flavours, the like of which Ardbeggians will never have tasted before. We invite fans to roll up and feast their palates on its peculiar notes of mint chocolate, incense, lavender, and smoked nuts, set off by a daring double act of salted caramel and tar. Like the finest performances in the circus ring, this is a whisky not to be missed.”

Ardbeg Day, held annually on the final Saturday of Fèis Ìle, is a chance to celebrate all things Ardbeggian — and this typically includes a limited-edition whisky release. At this year's Ardbeg Day on 1 June, in celebration of the release of the carnivalesque Spectacular, the distillery is inviting festival goers to its own 'Dark Circus' including tastings and games.

Jackie Thomson, distillery visitor centre manager, said: “This Ardbeg Day we will celebrate our whisky in the most spectacular style, from this new limited edition to our core-range favourites like Ardbeg 10 Years Old. I’m looking forward to entering into the spirit of the circus with fans at the distillery, online, and across the globe on 1 June, as we come together to juggle big, bold smoky flavours and marvel at the phenolic phenomenon that is Ardbeg!”

Ardbeg Spectacular will be available in the UK and at ardbeg.com from 23 April with a recommended price of £110. It will then be available in other markets from late April onwards.