Darkness Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is a collision of two powerful worlds, the smoky ferocity of Islay and the deep sweetness of sherry. Aged Ardbeg spirit, already known for its intense peat and maritime soul, meets the richness of Oloroso sherry casks under the watchful eye of Darkness, a house revered for its bold finishes. The result is an unforgettable whisky, dark, complex, and unapologetically intense.

Darkness Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish 50cl
Brand: Darkness | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 51.5% | Origin: Islay, Scotland | Vol: 50cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Explosive peat smoke and sea spray laced with raisins, roasted nuts, and dark chocolate.
Palate: Powerful and layered, waves of sherry sweetness, espresso, burnt sugar, and smoked oak roll across a core of Ardbeg’s signature maritime peat.
Finish: Long, smoky, and warming, fading into rich cocoa, spice, and dried fruit with a final whisper of salt and smoke.

Production Details:
This 12-year-old single malt began life on Islay, maturing in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in specially selected Oloroso sherry octave casks, smaller barrels that amplify flavor and intensity. Bottled at natural cask strength and non-chill filtered, it captures the pure essence of sherried peat power, where fire, sea, and sweetness collide in perfect balance.

Perfect For:
Perfect for those who crave drama in their dram, smoky sherry lovers, Islay purists, and collectors who appreciate bold, limited releases that don’t hold back.

Expert Notes:
Critics describe it as “a peat monster draped in velvet”, sherry richness taming Ardbeg’s smoke without losing its wild character. A cult-worthy expression for serious whisky enthusiasts.

Customer Reviews:

“The perfect balance of peat and sherry, dark, smoky brilliance.”
“Powerful yet elegant, a whisky that commands attention.”
“Every sip feels like standing by a bonfire with a glass of spiced chocolate.”

Interesting Fact:
Darkness specializes in octave cask finishing, small 50 liter casks that expose whisky to greater wood interaction, creating intensely concentrated flavors in a fraction of the time of traditional casks.

Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy neat to experience its full intensity, or with a few drops of water to open its layers of fruit and smoke. Best savored slowly, ideally after dinner, with dark chocolate or blue cheese.

Distillery Background:
Ardbeg, founded in 1815 on Islay’s rugged southern coast, is world-renowned for its deeply peated spirit and cult following. Darkness, known for its cask-finishing mastery, transforms already exceptional malts into bold new expressions. Together, they’ve created a whisky that’s both fierce and refined, an Islay legend reimagined.