Ardbeg 10, that sturdy staple of Islay, has long found a comfortable home in many a whisky lover’s glass. Yet, just when we thought we knew the brand, along comes Ardbeg 13 Harpy’s Tale. This isn't just another notch in Ardbeg's belt; it's a whisky with a narrative, something a bit poetic and deeply evocative.

The distillery underwent change in 2021, morphing from its humble original distillery to an advanced facility. Picture this: a high-ceilinged, sea-gazing stillhouse where even the maritime air gets an invite, adding yet another layer of Islay into each dram.

The whisky itself? It’s Ardbeg’s very DNA but with a whisper of decadence via Sauternes casks. The smoky, earthy backbone hasn’t been overshadowed; it’s been elevated. Distilled at 46% and non-chill filtered, the Harpy's Tale balances the peaty grit of Islay with unexpected notes of sweet elegance.

The Anthology series, of which this is the inaugural expression, finds its inspiration from Islay's mythical lore—tales of strange creatures like the seldom-seen Harpy; a mythical winged beast. Aged for 13 years in rare Sauternes wine casks and combined with classic Ardbeg ex-bourbon barrels, this expression is as rich in story as it is in flavour. The whisky showcases a unique marriage of soaring smoke and sumptuous sweetness, creating an experience as sensational as the tale that inspired it.

So, if you thought Islay's charm was solely in its mysterious allure and peaty drams, the Ardbeg 13 Harpy's Tale will make you think again. It's not just a whisky; it's a narrative-driven, multi-dimensional experience that will redefine what it means to enjoy a glass of Ardbeg.