Ardbeg Unveils The Abyss: A £25,000 Whisky Fit for a Legend

Moët Hennessy-owned Ardbeg distillery has unveiled a limited edition bottling inspired by the 2008 Committee release of Corryvreckan. The Abyss is a 34-year-old single malt finished in heavily toasted French oak casks, and it’s a whisky fit for a legend.

The Birth of The Abyss

The Abyss is closely linked to the 2008 Committee release of Ardbeg Corryvreckan, which was distilled in 1989 and aged for 10 years in Bourbon casks before being finished in ‘ultra-active’ heavily toasted French oak barrels. While most casks were used for the 2008 release, a few were kept at the distillery to ’explore the intense new flavours which would emerge with extra ageing’. The Abyss was born from these ‘unrepeatable’ casks.

A Whisky of Legend

Presented in a sleek, futuristic silver capsule, Ardbeg The Abyss ‘draws drinkers deep into swirls of toasted marshmallows and tea leaves, while notes of dark chocolate, pecan, leather, and creosote circle nearby’. According to Dr Bill Lumsden, director of whisky creation at Ardbeg, ‘Ardbeg The Abyss is the stuff of Ardbeggian legend. Formed from the rare heart of that original, sought-after 2008 limited release of Corryvreckan, this 34-year-old whisky has been transported by time into a new world of flavour.’

Ardbeg The Abyss

A Comic Book Legend

Ardbeg has partnered with acclaimed American comic book author and artist Tradd Moore to celebrate the revival of a legend in The Abyss. A comic set on ‘Planet Ardbeg’ is available in print exclusively with the release’s 400 numbered bottles. Corryvreckan is named after the fathomless whirlpool north of Ardbeg’s Scottish island home. According to legend, the Viking prince Breacan anchored his ship for three days and nights to win the hand of the Lord of the Isles’ daughter. However, he was lost to its watery depths.

Tradd Moore’s comic book artwork

The Abyss: A Rare and Exclusive Release

The Abyss will be available through the distillery’s website, at the visitor centre on Islay, and the Moët Hennessy Private Client channel worldwide. The limited release is 48% ABV and sold in 700ml bottles for £25,000 (US$27,190 / £21,250).

Ardbeg The Abyss

In addition to The Abyss, the distillery will also release 1,000 limited edition bottles of the core range Ardbeg Corryvreckan, featuring four individual label designs by Moore.

Ardbeg Corryvreckan