Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition

Profile: The Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition at a glance

• Islay & California: Matured in former Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from the Napa Valley
• Exclusive travel retail bottling: The Napa Valley Edition is the third bottling in the Smoketrails series
• Bottled at drinking strength: With an alcohol content of 46% vol. bottled
• Natural: Bottled without the addition of colorings and without chill filtration

Portrait: What makes the Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition special.

The Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition is an exclusive bottling from the renowned Islay distillery Ardbeg, which has been known for its intensely smoky single malts since 1815. This edition is part of the limited "Smoketrails" series, which was designed for the travel retail market and each highlights different cask maturations.

For the Napa Valley Edition, Ardbeg worked with Wine Casks from one of the world's most famous wine regions: the Napa Valley in California. This region is primarily known for its powerful Cabernet Sauvignons, which are aged in high-quality oak barrels. The combination of Ardbeg's peaty spirit and the robust Red Wine Casks from Napa Valley exemplifies the distillery's innovative spirit.

Bottling takes place at 46% ABV and without chill filtration, which fulfills the goal of preserving as much character and depth as possible. The packaging and design visually capture the connection between Islay and California and underscore the experimental approach of this series.

The Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition is aimed at lovers of complex whiskies with international influences and offers a modern interpretation of classic Islay virtues – but with a clear focus on cask variety and origin.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition tastes like

• Nose: initially, a typically strong peat smoke, followed by distinct floral aromas of rose water and jasmine – fruity aromas join in, particularly ripe plums, accompanied by menthol and a light herbal freshness. Subtle hints of toasted bread and eucalyptus round out the aromatic picture
• Palate: balanced yet intense - the typical smokiness remains prominent, but is harmoniously complemented by creamy vanilla, caramel, and dark berry fruit. The structure is soft, with a clear barrel presence. Spices from the oak and notes of dark chocolate lend the whisky depth and complexity
• Finish: the finish is long, complex, and dry and smoky - fruity elements remain, while the smoke lingers along with spicy wood tones. The use of Cabernet Sauvignon Casks from Napa Valley brings a fine, tannic structure that is noticeable right to the end