By 
Ardbeg is embarking on a new adventure with the launch of its first series of travel retail-exclusive whiskies: Ardbeg Smoketrails.
The new range will offer a chance for whisky-loving travellers to explore how casks from around the world influence the renowned Islay distillery’s spirit character.
The first release in the series, Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition, marries malt whisky matured in American oak casks with Manzanilla sherry casks. Ardbeg says the result is “a salty, maritime character combined with a powerful blast of classic Ardbeg smoke”.
Bottlings in the Ardbeg Smoketrails series will be available exclusively at international hub airports, as well as at the Ardbeg Distillery.
Colin Gordon, Ardbeg distillery manager, said: “For each Smoketrails release we’ll pack our suitcase and zig-zag across the globe in search of new flavour adventures – in this case, to the Spanish coast for the finest Manzanilla casks. With a unique batch code on this and future bottlings, we hope Ardbeggians will jump at the chance to get their hands on this delectable, collectable dram when they are on their travels.”
Ardbeg’s master distiller, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “In Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition, salty sea spray and deep, nutty notes mingle with pungent aromas of soot, dark chocolate and Brazil nuts. Clouds of pine and fennel fill the senses with notes of saddle soap and aniseed trailing gently behind. All I have to say to anybody who lays their hands on a bottle is… get ready for a smoky blast!”
To celebrate the launch of the series, Ardbeg partnered with Dufry and Heathrow Airport to unveil Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition in a pop-up at Terminal 5, which is running until 30 November.
By 
