Ardbeg 19 Year Old Traigh Bhan Batch 01

The inaugural 19-year-old small batch expression, representing Ardbeg's highest age statement core offering in decades.

At-a-Glance

Historical Context

Ardbeg, founded in 1815, is famous for its heavily peated, complex single malts. For over 20 years, the distillery's core age-stated range was limited, making the launch of a new, high-aged permanent expression a landmark event in Ardbeg's modern history.

The Traigh Bhan series, named after Islay's 'Singing Sands' beach, was launched in 2019 with this Batch 01 bottling. This 19 Year Old was conceived to bridge the gap between Ardbeg's youthful intensity and profound maturity. Critically, it represented Ardbeg’s first permanent age-statement whisky released in two decades. The 19-year age statement is particularly intriguing as it showcases a highly mature expression of the distillery’s famously phenolic spirit, providing unparalleled depth compared to younger releases.

The collectibility of Batch 01 is exceptionally high due to its status as the inaugural release in the permanent annual series. Each batch in the Traigh Bhan series features a unique code on the carton, bottle, and foot label, confirming its annual batch designation. This numbering system intentionally appeals to the collector market, ensuring that the first release maintains a significant premium over later, less historically significant batches.

Technical Specification & Variant Map

The Traigh Bhan is a non-chill filtered single malt bottled at 46.2% ABV. The spirit is matured in a complex combination of American Oak and ex-Oloroso Sherry Casks. The American Oak provides the underlying tropical sweetness, while the Oloroso Sherry provides depth, spice, and dark fruit complexity. The unique challenge of aging a heavily peated Islay malt for 19 years is that the peat smoke must integrate seamlessly with the wood without becoming overpowering or dry. The resulting profile is noted for its "impossible balance" where calm meets storm.

Documented variants

The Traigh Bhan is defined by its annual batch numbering. Batch 01 (this release) is the most desirable due to its inaugural status. Later batches will carry slightly different proofs and subtle flavour shifts based on the cask composition of that specific annual draw.

Variant Matrix

Packaging & authenticity checklist

Authentication requires verifying the "Batch No. 01" designation on both the bottle label and the accompanying presentation carton. The 46.2% ABV is specific to this first release. Given its high value, buyers should inspect for the full integrity of the bottle, box, and unique batch code. Minor creases on the presentation box of Batch 01 have been noted on auction listings, but this does not significantly deter high-value purchases.

Regulatory/terminology notes

The whisky is confirmed as Non-Chill-Filtered (NCF) and bottled at 46.2% ABV. This commitment to NCF status and higher bottling strength ensures the spirit's natural texture, oils, and full peat-driven character are retained, reflecting Ardbeg's premium quality standards.

Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)

The profile is famously smooth and seductive, achieving a balance between the peaty power of Ardbeg and complex tropical and herbaceous notes derived from long maturation.

Nose: Elegant and complex, exhibiting gentle smoky pineapple, soured cream, wood smoke, and newly planed oak. Herbaceous pine resin, sweet toffee, and wisps of aniseed are also noted.

Palate: Intensely salty mouthfeel plunges the palate into smoky depths. Sweet and sour notes of smoked chilli chocolate and paprika transition into waves of toasted oak and roasted tea leaves. Classic sweet smokiness and tarry rope are followed by aniseed twists.

Finish: Firm yet gentle, carrying soothing wood smoke long beyond the glass. Bitter almonds, clove, and lingering dark chilli chocolate notes are observed.

With water: A small splash of water releases a surge of unexpected notes, including struck flint, herbal pine resin, and coal tar, leading to citrusy lime sherbet.

Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)

Original RRP (GBP): While initial RRP was highly variable, early specialist retail listings were around £499.00 – £649.95. This confirms its immediate high-end placement.

Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): £499.00 – £650.00 (Extremely scarce at retail).

Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): £180.00 – £340.00. Auction results are highly variable, with recent hammer prices ranging from £180.00 to £340.00 for single bottles.

Pricing stratification: The wide auction range reflects the significant value placed on the box/packaging condition and the inherent high demand for the first batch. The disparity between the high retail asking price and auction results confirms an arbitrage opportunity exists for high-quality, fully boxed specimens. The July 2024 auction peak of £340.00 confirms strong competitive buyer interest.

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is high due to the brand's immense global collector demand. Sourcing is concentrated in international and specialist UK auctions.

Price Snapshot