Ardbeg Perpetuum Feis Ile 2015
70cl / 47.4%
£199.00
- Region: Scotland
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
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A commemorative 2015 Feis Ile release celebrating Ardbeg's 200th anniversary, showcasing a complex marriage of bourbon and sherry-aged peated malts.
At-a-Glance:
| Field | Details |
| Distillery | Ardbeg |
| Bottler | Distillery Bottling (Glenmorangie/LVMH) |
| Country & Region | Scotland, Islay |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Peated) |
| Age | Non Age Statement (NAS) |
| Vintage | Not stated by the producer |
| Bottled | 2015 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 47.4% / 70cl (Feis Ile release) |
| Cask / Treatment | Marriage of Bourbon and Sherry Casks (Bicentenary bottling) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | 72,000 bottles (estimated total outturn) |
| Intended channel | Feis Ile 2015 Ardbeg Day / General Release |
| Packaging | Original Box |
| Notes on discrepancies | There were two Perpetuum releases: the Committee Release (49.2% ABV) and the General Release (47.4% ABV) (S_S54). This is the General Release. |
Historical Context
The Ardbeg Perpetuum Feis Ile 2015 bottling was a landmark release created to celebrate the distillery's 200th anniversary. Ardbeg, founded in 1815, is famous globally for its intensely peated Islay single malt. The "Perpetuum" name (meaning "perpetual" or "never-ending") was chosen to symbolise the distillery's enduring commitment to its unique, smoky style despite its tumultuous history.
The expression was released on Ardbeg Day, which coincides with the annual Feis Ile (Islay Festival of Music and Malt). The liquid is a complex marriage of Ardbeg whiskies matured in both ex-Bourbon and Sherry casks. The intention was to create a whisky that reflects the "past, present, and future" of Ardbeg by combining the classic Bourbon-matured smoky base with the darker, fruity influence of sherry casks.
This General Release was bottled at 47.4% ABV, slightly lower than the Committee Release (49.2% ABV). The bottling is now discontinued and is highly sought after as a definitive piece of Ardbeg's bicentenary commemoration.
2.1 Documented variants:
- 47.4% ABV/70cl is the standard Bicentenary release.
- A 49.2% ABV/70cl Committee Release was also available exclusively at the distillery (higher value).
Variant Matrix:
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 47.4% | 70cl | General Release/Bicentenary | Bottled 2015, Bourbon and Sherry Casks | Core Collector Target |
| 49.2% | 70cl | Committee Release | Higher strength, exclusive release | Highest (Rarity and superior strength) |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist:
The bottle must clearly state "Perpetuum" and the 47.4% ABV strength. The original box or tin should be present. The liquid exhibits a deep amber colour.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes:
The liquid is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Ardbeg is known for producing one of the heaviest peated malts on Islay, characterized by notes of tar, soot, and pine resin. The blend of Bourbon and Sherry casks provides balance.
- Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is intense and smoky, balanced by sweet and creamy notes from the sherry casks.
Nose: Mellow, rich, and enticing Ardbeggian aromas mingle with dark chocolate, treacle and nutty oak. Subtle smokiness with hints of pine resin and lime top note.
Palate: Robust peat smoke and savoury smoky bacon meet creamy sweet vanilla and milk chocolate with the hint of sherry casks. The texture is complex.
Finish: A never-ending aftertaste of linseed oil, a hint of sherry cask, creosote and tar. The finish is long, medicinal, and salty.
With water: Water brings forth briny sea-spray and a remarkably fresh bouquet.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Ardbeg Distillery (1815), located on Islay, is owned by Glenmorangie (LVMH). It is globally famous for producing some of the smokiest, yet most complex and balanced, single malts in the world. The distillery utilizes a purifier in the spirit still to refine the spirit, which helps balance the intense peat smoke with underlying sweetness. The Feis Ile releases are highly anticipated annual events that drive strong secondary market demand.
- Sourcing
- Target formats/eras to prefer: The 47.4% ABV General Release. For maximum value, the 49.2% ABV Committee Release is the ultimate target.
- Red flags to avoid: Ensure the bottle is not empty, as this is a common consumption bottle.
- Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): Original presentation box is required to fetch the retail premium. High fill level is expected.
- Margin/velocity expectations - qualitative: High velocity expected. Margin potential is strong when acquired below the 150.00 GBP mark.
