Islay distillery Ardbeg has announced a limited edition single malt whisky, with accompanying graphic novel, to celebrate its titular Ardbeg Day on June 3.
The new release, Ardbeg Heavy Vapours, is the first time ever that Ardbeg has distilled its whisky without a purifier, allowing the heaviest vapours to rise up the still during the distillation process. It says this results in a unique balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness.
To accompany the release, there’s a graphic novel by artist and illustrator Dilraj Mann. This latest edition to Ardbeg’s graphic novel universe, Planet Ardbeg, follows Agent 46, an interplanetary detective charged with locating the errant purifier, in order to restore Ardbeg’s signature balance.
This experimental Islay single malt scotch whisky, created by resident Director of Whisky Dr Bill Lumsden, is matured in classic Ardbeg casks, and the resulting flavour profile, is said to be defined by a distinctive earthiness, dark chocolate, aniseed and cinnamon. It’s a captivating dram, says Lumsden.
Bottled at 46% ABV, Heavy Vapours will be available to purchase from various whisky specialists, including The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt, for £120 from May 23.
The flavour profile is said to be defined by a distinctive earthiness, dark chocolate, aniseed and cinnamon,,.
The new release is the centrepiece of this year’s Ardbeg Day on June 3, a celebration of all things Ardbeg held annually on the last Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt, Fèis Ìle.
This year, festivities will include a noir detective themed celebration in London. Guests will be tasked with finding the lost purifier, all while enjoying the smoky, earthy flavours of Heavy Vapours.
The original Planet Ardbeg is a 40-page sci-fi anthology, conceived by New York cartoonist Ronald Wimberly in collaboration with fellow artists Emma Ríos and Sanford Greene. The publication relates the origin stories of three Ardbeg expressions: Ardbeg Ten Years Old, Ardbeg An Oa, and Ardbeg Wee Beastie.
For members of the Ardbeg committee, a Heavy Vapour Committee Exclusive is available to purchase online. This exclusive edition is bottled non-chill-filtered at 50.2% ABV, again priced at £120.
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Hackstons of Knightsbridge is offering a curated selection of last-minute luxury drinks gifts certain to elevate the most romantic night of the year. In-house expert Guillaume Ragot has selected five outstanding bottles that tick all the right boxes, from celebratory sparkling wines, to memorable sippers, and luxury after-dinner…
The Luxe Review 
Islay distillery Ardbeg has announced a limited edition single malt whisky, with accompanying graphic novel, to celebrate its titular Ardbeg Day on June 3.
The new release, Ardbeg Heavy Vapours, is the first time ever that Ardbeg has distilled its whisky without a purifier, allowing the heaviest vapours to rise up the still during the distillation process. It says this results in a unique balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness.
To accompany the release, there’s a graphic novel by artist and illustrator Dilraj Mann. This latest edition to Ardbeg’s graphic novel universe, Planet Ardbeg, follows Agent 46, an interplanetary detective charged with locating the errant purifier, in order to restore Ardbeg’s signature balance.
This experimental Islay single malt scotch whisky, created by resident Director of Whisky Dr Bill Lumsden, is matured in classic Ardbeg casks, and the resulting flavour profile, is said to be defined by a distinctive earthiness, dark chocolate, aniseed and cinnamon. It’s a captivating dram, says Lumsden.
Bottled at 46% ABV, Heavy Vapours will be available to purchase from various whisky specialists, including The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt, for £120 from May 23.
The new release is the centrepiece of this year’s Ardbeg Day on June 3, a celebration of all things Ardbeg held annually on the last Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt, Fèis Ìle.
This year, festivities will include a noir detective themed celebration in London. Guests will be tasked with finding the lost purifier, all while enjoying the smoky, earthy flavours of Heavy Vapours.
The original Planet Ardbeg is a 40-page sci-fi anthology, conceived by New York cartoonist Ronald Wimberly in collaboration with fellow artists Emma Ríos and Sanford Greene. The publication relates the origin stories of three Ardbeg expressions: Ardbeg Ten Years Old, Ardbeg An Oa, and Ardbeg Wee Beastie.
For members of the Ardbeg committee, a Heavy Vapour Committee Exclusive is available to purchase online. This exclusive edition is bottled non-chill-filtered at 50.2% ABV, again priced at £120.
Karen Gillan fronts Compass Box Hedonism 2026 limited edition Scotch whisky
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…
Celebrity-founded Brother’s Bond Bourbon makes UK debut with starry four-grain whiskey range
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…
Valentine’s Day drinks gift guide: fine wine, champagne and rare spirits they’ll love
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Hackstons of Knightsbridge is offering a curated selection of last-minute luxury drinks gifts certain to elevate the most romantic night of the year. In-house expert Guillaume Ragot has selected five outstanding bottles that tick all the right boxes, from celebratory sparkling wines, to memorable sippers, and luxury after-dinner…
Share this: