Birth of 'Ardbeg Dolce', the Limited Edition Bottle for 'Ardbeg Day 2026', the Annual Festival That Electrifies 'Ardbeggians' Worldwide - A Fusion of Sweetness and Powerful Peat from the Meeting of Two Islands, Sicily and Islay

MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo K.K. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), which handles the Scottish Islay single malt whisky brand "Ardbeg," announces its 2026 limited edition bottle, 'Ardbeg Dolce,' symbolizing the annual festival "Ardbeg Day" celebrated by fans worldwide.

Limited Edition Bottle 'Ardbeg Dolce' — The 2026 Theme is "La Dolce Islay" — Every year, Ardbeg releases a special limited edition bottle for Ardbeg Day, drawing significant attention from fans globally. The Ardbeg Day 2026 limited bottle was born from the meeting of two islands: Sicily and Islay. It is a vatting of Ardbeg spirit matured in classic bourbon casks with spirit matured in casks that once held Marsala Dolce, the most luscious style of fortified wine from Sicily. What emerges is a dramatic flavor profile where rich sweetness reminiscent of apricot and chocolate intersects with the powerful, smoky peat characteristic of Islay. This vivid contrast of sweet and smoke further accentuates Ardbeg's signature 'Peaty Paradox.' The theme for this year's Ardbeg Day, inspired by this limited bottle, is "La Dolce Vita" (The Sweet Life), symbolizing the golden age of Italian cinema in the 1960s. It represents a rich lifestyle of enjoying life and savoring joy and beauty. The rugged nature and powerful peat character of Ardbeg's Islay home meet the sweet world of Italy, creating Ardbeg's own way of enjoying a sweet moment. This enjoyment is imbued with the unique value proposition: "La Dolce Islay — Life is sweet. And very smoky."

"Ardbeg Day," an Annual Celebration Where Fans from Around the World Gather "Fèis Ìle," the whisky festival held on the Scottish island of Islay from late May to early June each year, concludes with "Ardbeg Day," a special celebration hosted by the Ardbeg Distillery. This special event, where fans (known as "Ardbeggians") from over 130 countries and regions share their passion and individuality, has spread globally since 2012 as a cultural festival beyond a mere event. The symbol of this annual festival is the Ardbeg Day limited edition bottle, which embodies the theme of the year. This bottle, eagerly awaited by fans worldwide, gains significant attention as a symbol of that year's Ardbeg Day story. For Ardbeg Day 2026, themed around the meeting of the two islands of Islay and Sicily, events will be held worldwide, including in Japan, allowing people to experience the world of "La Dolce Islay."

The "Ardbeg Committee" An official community with over 180,000 fans from more than 130 countries and regions. This community, where Ardbeg lovers gather, offers various experiences to enjoy the world of Ardbeg more deeply, including information on new limited bottles, special content, and member-exclusive items. In Japan alone, over 50,000 members participate, sharing this unique Islay malt with "Ardbeggians" worldwide. Committee members also get early access to special opportunities, such as pre-sales of limited bottles. To purchase this Ardbeg Day limited bottle, "Ardbeg Dolce," from the Committee Store (e-commerce site), prior registration as a Committee member is required. Registration is free and open to anyone aged 20 or over via online registration. As a gateway to a deeper experience of the Ardbeg world, we invite you to enjoy registering for the "Ardbeg Committee."

Product Overview

Ardbeg Day 2026 Limited Edition "Ardbeg Dolce" Characterized by a dramatic taste where the sweetness from casks of Sicily's sweet fortified wine 'Marsala Dolce' meets the powerful peat of Islay, resulting in a prominent sweet and smoky profile.

・ Volume: 700ml

・ ABV: 47.8%

・ Cask Maturation: Marsala Dolce wine casks, Bourbon casks, Non-chill filtered

・ Suggested Retail Price: ¥18,000 (excl. tax) / ¥19,800 (incl. tax)

Committee Store (E-commerce site)

Release Date: May 12, 2026 (Tuesday) from 19:00

Retailer: Ardbeg Committee Store https://www.ardbegjp.com/products/ardbeg-dolce

General Sale

Release Date: Sequentially from May 12, 2026 (Tuesday)

Retailers: Ardbeg Committee Store, nationwide liquor stores Providers: Ardbeg-serving establishments nationwide

Tasting Notes

・Colour: Sunset Orange

・Nose: Rich and complex, the smoke is tempered by bursts of apricot, plump raisins, sticky dates, and tangy stewed apples. Orange marmalade lifts the whole with a citrusy brightness. With a splash of water, deeper, earthier layers emerge: roasted mushrooms, pine needles, salted fish, capers, and olives. A nose as if an Islay larder has met a Sicilian garden.

・Palate: Spice leads the way with flickers of cinnamon, star anise, and licorice. Then, a wave of sweetness with maple-smoked wood, baked dates with walnuts, honeycomb, and dark chocolate. Dried fruits follow, wrapped in lemon peel and balanced by a savory twist of salted nuts and dried herbs.

・Finish: A long, layered finish emerges with smoked wood, dry tobacco, bonfire embers, and a rich, chewy peat oil.

Ardbeg

A single malt whisky born on the Scottish island of Islay in 1815. Its flavor, which is intensely peaty and smoky yet has a delicate sweetness and high quality that never ceases to fascinate, is also known by the nickname 'Peaty Paradox.' It is a cult-like entity beloved by enthusiastic fans called 'Ardbeggians' for its addictive and distinctive taste, and it is the ultimate Islay malt, the peatiest and smokiest in the world, supported by 180,000 Committee members in 130 countries.