A "Single Cask" Etched in Ardbeg History Appears Exclusively in Japan: "Ardbeg Rare Cask No. 20080" Limited Lottery Sale for Committee Members from 7 PM on July 22, 2026 (Wed)

Moët Hennessy Diageo Japan K.K. is pleased to announce the limited lottery sale of "Ardbeg Rare Cask No. 20080," a Japan-exclusive bottling from a single, rare cask personally selected by Dr. Bill Lamsden, Ardbeg's Director of Distillation and Whisky Creation, from the Ardbeg distillery on Islay, Scotland. The sale will commence at 7 PM on July 22, 2026, exclusively at the Ardbeg Committee Store.

This expression is a 15-year-old single malt, matured in bourbon casks before being transferred to Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks. It is one of the original components that contributed to the beloved "Ardbeg An Oa," which first appeared in 2017.

The result is a whisky that truly lives up to the name "Rare Cask," with a harmonious blend of smoky power and the rich sweetness reminiscent of raisins, figs, and baked plums, derived from the PX sherry cask.

The spirit, distilled on March 2, 2010, was initially matured in bourbon casks and then, several years later, transferred to PX sherry casks, which were rarely used at the time. Many of these experimental second-fill casks became part of the foundation for the sweet and mellow profile of "Ardbeg An Oa." Dr. Bill Lamsden, Ardbeg's Director of Distillation and Whisky Creation, was deeply impressed by the unique balance of smokiness and profound sweetness when he tasted Cask No. 20080, and he chose to keep this single cask aside from the many others. After 15 years of maturation, the time has finally come to enjoy the "perfection" of Cask No. 20080. The finished product perfectly balances the sherry-derived sweetness of raisins with Ardbeg's signature smoky power. Aromas of soot, figs, and baked plums unfold, leading into a rich peat smoke with the texture of toasted hazelnuts, making it a truly worthy "Rare Cask."

Product Details

"Ardbeg Rare Cask No. 20080"

Matured first in bourbon casks, then further matured in PX sherry casks. Bottled at a higher-than-usual alcohol content to achieve a unique flavor. A rare, Japan-exclusive bottling aged for 15 years.

Volume: 700ml

Alcohol Content: 56.8%

Maturation Casks: Bourbon Casks, PX Sherry Casks

Suggested Retail Price: ¥100,000 (excl. tax) / ¥110,000 (incl. tax)

Release Date & Location: Limited lottery sale from 7 PM on July 22, 2026 (Wed) at the Committee Store

https://www.ardbegjp.com/products/ardbeg-rare-cask-20080

Will be sequentially distributed in limited quantities to Embassy Stores nationwide from late July 2026.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep copper

Nose: Rich and powerful. The first impression is of sweet smoke, bringing a warm and profound sensation. Beneath this, rich notes of dried fruits emerge, such as sultana raisins with intense sweetness and sticky dates. With a drop of water, the smoke becomes more pronounced, revealing a powerful and wild side, while layers of fig, black cherry, and baked plum appear, further deepening the sweet and rich sherry finish.

Taste: The impact of peat smoke is immediate, spreading throughout the mouth and enveloping the palate. As the smoke subsides, the sweet aromas perceived on the nose surface. A fragrant and rich sweetness, cocoa powder, and subtle nutty nuances like toasted hazelnuts and praline fill the mouth.

Finish: The peat smoke makes its presence strongly felt. The sweetness reminiscent of dark fruits from the PX sherry cask reappears, leaving a long, smoky, and sweet finish.

Ardbeg Committee

Smoky malt fans are invited to join the Ardbeg Committee. The Ardbeg Committee is a free-to-join fan club established for those who deeply love Ardbeg. Anyone aged 20 or over can join, and membership registration can be completed online. Currently, there are over 180,000 members in more than 130 countries. Upon registration, you will receive the latest news, including information on new products and exclusive Committee member-only items.

Register as a Committee member here: https://www.ardbegjp.com/account/register

Ardbeg

Ardbeg is a single malt Scotch whisky born on the island of Islay, Scotland, in 1815. Its flavor, characterized by intense peat smoke yet delicate sweetness and high quality, captivates people and has earned it the nickname "Peaty Paradox." It is a cult favorite, cherished by passionate fans known as "Ardbeggians" for its uniquely addictive taste. It is the ultimate peaty and smoky Islay malt, supported by over 180,000 Committee members in 130 countries worldwide.