Ardbeg Dolce Limited Edition

The Ardbeg Dolce Limited Edition is the distillery's special release for Ardbeg Day 2026, bringing together the unmistakable smoky character of Islay with a generous helping of Sicilian sweetness. Inspired by the glamour of 1960s Italian cinema and la dolce vita, this release offers a distinctly different take on Ardbeg's famously peated single malt.

Matured in a combination of Sicilian Marsala wine casks and classic ex-Bourbon barrels, Dolce balances rich fruit and sweetness with Ardbeg's familiar peat smoke, citrus and coastal character. The Marsala influence brings layers of apricot, raisins, dates and orange marmalade, while darker notes of chocolate, roasted nuts and warming spice build underneath.

Bottled at 47.8% ABV, the palate moves between sweet and savoury, with cinnamon, star anise and liquorice followed by honeycomb, baked dates, walnuts and dark chocolate. Lemon rind provides a welcome citrus lift, while salted nuts and dried herbs add another layer of complexity.

The finish returns firmly to Islay, with smoked applewood, bonfire embers, drying tobacco and rich peat oils lingering long after the final sip.

Rich, smoky and unmistakably Ardbeg, Dolce is an intriguing meeting of Sicilian wine cask sweetness and classic Islay peat, and a fitting limited release for Ardbeg Day 2026.