Ardbeg Trudernish 15 Years Old Isley Single Malt Scotch

Ardbeg Trudernish 15 Year Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the first permanent 15-year-old ever added to Ardbeg's core range, and the oldest age statement the distillery now keeps on shelf year-round. It suits the Ardbeg 10 or Uigeadail drinker who wants the same peat with more age, cream, and polish.

Process & Profile

Ardbeg has distilled on Islay's southern Kildalton coast since 1815, and this release takes its name from Trudernish, the land near the distillery tied to its water source. Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg's Director of Whisky Creation, built it from three cask types: ex-bourbon, new charred oak, and Oloroso sherry. It spends 15 years in wood and is bottled non-chill-filtered at 48.8% ABV (97.6 proof), a strength that keeps the texture oily and full.

On the nose, peat smoke and woodsmoke sit over melted vanilla ice cream, golden syrup, heather honey, and caramelised apricot.

On the palate, it turns creamy and full-bodied: soft pine and damp forest floor, then dark liquorice, chocolate lime, toasted nuts, and a flicker of fresh mint.

The finish is long and smoky, with peat embers, vanilla pod, and roasted nuts fading slowly.

Where Ardbeg 10 is all bonfire and brine, the 15-year shows what extra time and new charred oak do to the distillery's spirit: the smoke is still front and center, but it arrives wrapped in vanilla and milk chocolate rather than lime and tar. It took Double Gold at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition in its launch year.

Serve neat in a Glencairn, adding a few drops of water to open up the sherry fruit. It pairs well with smoked salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this whisky?
A 15-year-old peated Islay single malt and the newest permanent member of Ardbeg's core range.

What are the specs?
15 years old, 48.8% ABV (97.6 proof), non-chill-filtered, matured in ex-bourbon, new charred oak, and Oloroso sherry casks, 750mL.

What does it taste like?
Peat smoke and vanilla cream up front, then pine, liquorice, and chocolate lime, ending in long, smoky embers.

How should you enjoy it?
Neat in a Glencairn, with a few drops of water after the first sip.

Why is this release notable?
It is Ardbeg's first permanent 15-year-old and its first new core-range expression since 2020.