Ardbeg Fever Sweeps Across Japan This Summer! Ardbeg Day 2026 Opens for the First Time in Sendai, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka

MHD Moët Hennessy Diageo (Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) handles the Scotch whisky brand 'Ardbeg' from Islay, Scotland. The annual festival 'Ardbeg Day 2026' kicked off in Tokyo. Leading up to the 'Ardbeg Day 2026 La Dolce Islay' event from June 12 (Fri) to 14 (Sun) 2026, a special guest event was held on June 11 (Thu).

This year's theme is 'La Dolce Islay - Life is sweet. And very smoky.'

The festive space combines the lively and glamorous world of 'La Dolce Vita' from southern Italy's Sicily with Ardbeg's bold and smoky personality, attracting many Ardbeg fans.

The venue unveiled the 2026 limited edition bottle 'Ardbeg Dolce.' The rich sweetness derived from Sicilian Marsala Dolce casks and Ardbeg's powerful smokiness meet in this special cup for the year, captivating the attendees. Special guests including Yorun-san, Takashi Aoki, Kaoru Tsutsumi, and Noritaka Hamao also attended. Holding 'Ardbeg Dolce,' they experienced the 'sweet and smoky' worldview early in the 'La Dolce Islay Piazza,' reminiscent of an Italian square. In addition to offering limited cocktails, the venue featured live performances by guest bartenders and a special live performance blending Sicilian music with Celtic music from Islay. The venue was lively throughout.

What enveloped the venue that day was not just the excitement of an event, but the power of the Ardbeg community, where people who love Ardbeg connect across generations and genres, sharing their passion. Laughter and toasts echoed, and in the moment when the passion of the Ardbeg fans became one, the venue was truly wrapped in the world of 'La Dolce Islay.'

And this passion is not limited to Tokyo. This year's Ardbeg Day will expand from Tokyo to four cities across Japan: Sendai, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Through 'MINI ARDBEG DAY,' Ardbeg fans from all over Japan will gather, and the circle of Ardbeg passion will continue to expand. The flame of Ardbeg lit in Tokyo will move to the next city. Ardbeg Day 2026 will travel across Japan as a festival of unprecedented scale, connecting Ardbeg fans nationwide.

Through the annual festival 'Ardbeg Day 2026' and 'MINI ARDBEG DAY,' which travels across Japan with passion, please enjoy the 'sweet and smoky' worldview of Ardbeg while toasting with Ardbeg fans across Japan.

Scenes from guests at 'Ardbeg Day 2026'

▪️ Yorun-san

This year's Ardbeg Day was impressively bright and open compared to last year's fantastical space theme. In a special space where you forget you're in the heart of Tokyo, I felt the new charm of Ardbeg. The 'Ardbeg Dolce' I tasted this time had a refreshing balance of fruity flavor on the first sip and the peaty aroma characteristic of Ardbeg that follows, which moved me. When I was young, I couldn't understand the character of peat, but as I grew older, I found myself drawn to its depth. Ardbeg is an existence that enjoys my own changes and growth. I look forward to tasting various expressions of Ardbeg as I continue to age.

▪️ Takashi Aoki

This was my first time participating in Ardbeg Day, but I was surprised that every year a completely different theme is used to create a worldview. The theme of Sicily is an unexpected combination with Ardbeg from Islay at first glance, but its playful nature somehow fits, creating a wonderful space where you can enjoy connections with people through alcohol. Dr. Bill Rumzden's humor was also impressive. 'Ardbeg Dolce' is, in a good way, out of this world, but it has the core of Ardbeg. After the powerful smokiness, a sweetness like biting into ripe fruit spreads, and I was surprised by its boldness and completeness. The charm of Ardbeg is that it cherishes tradition while always challenging itself. I think the playful nature within that challenge is very Ardbeg-like.

▪️ Kaoru Tsutsumi

It was a space filled with multi-directional energy where various senses intersect, not just one way. The venue was lively yet had the calmness of adults, and it was impressive to spend a comfortable time with friends I hadn't seen in a while. The sunset was also very beautiful, making the space even more special. 'Ardbeg Dolce' has a stimulating and challenging personality, yet its aftertaste is smooth. That contrast was very appealing, and I felt a sense similar to when I touch creative works. Its way of being also resonates with my own work, and I strongly sympathize with it. I think Ardbeg is a brand that remains calm while always continuing to challenge itself. I am stimulated by that attitude, and I think the fact that there are new discoveries every time I drink is a great charm.

▪️ Noritaka Hamao

This year's Ardbeg Day had an impressively cheerful and open atmosphere that made participants naturally want to dance. Tasting Ardbeg under the blue sky was exceptional, and I felt the charm unique to this space. I have been an Ardbeg fan from the beginning, but 'Ardbeg Dolce' impressed me with its smokiness and spiciness, as well as a sweet aftertaste like bitter chocolate, allowing me to discover new charm. I think the charm of Ardbeg lies in the depth that goes beyond just the alcohol. This time, listening to Dr. Bill's talk, I once again realized that there are many charms I still don't know. I feel that the charm of Ardbeg lies in the joy of discovery and exploration every time I drink.

Scenes from 'Ardbeg Day 2026 La Dolce Islay'

Schedule for 'MINI ARDBEG DAY' traveling across the country

Date: June 20, 2026 (Sat) 14:00-16:00 / 16:30-18:30

Location: Vert-Zai (1-4-2 Ike-shita, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0067, AXIS-tr Building 1F)

Ticket Price: 4,000 yen (tax included)

*Note: Tickets for Nagoya are sold out.

Date: June 24, 2026 (Tue) 19:00-21:00

Location: Scotch Bank Sendai (2-2-2 Kokubun-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0803, Toshiba Building B2F)

Ticket Price: 5,000 yen (tax included)

Sales Site: [Sendai Tickets] Mini Ardbeg Day 2026 - Ardbeg Committee Store

Date: June 27, 2026 (Fri) 18:00-19:30 / 20:00-21:30

Location: MALT BAR BLUE MOON (4-13-24 Nishi-nakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0011)

Ticket Price: 5,0