Experience the smoky, maritime intensity of Ardbeg Kelpie – Subtitle (S1), a rare limited-edition Islay single malt originally released as Ardbeg Committee bottling before the general edition. Named after the mythical sea creatures said to inhabit the Atlantic waters around Islay, Kelpie showcases Ardbeg’s signature peat smoke enhanced by maturation in virgin Black Sea oak casks, renowned for their deep, spicy, and richly resinous influence. This exceptional distillery bottling delivers waves of dark chocolate, brine, oak spice, smoked seaweed, espresso, and earthy peat, making Ardbeg Kelpie S1 a highly sought-after release for collectors and peat lovers alike. With rising secondary-market demand and distinctive packaging, it remains one of the standout modern Ardbeg limited editions.
🥃 Bottle Overview
Distillery: Ardbeg (Islay, Scotland)
Name: Ardbeg Kelpie – Subtitle (S1)
Release Type: Distillery Bottling / Limited Edition
Style: Peated Islay Single Malt
Key Cask Influence: Virgin Black Sea oak + Ex-bourbon casks
ABV:
Committee Release: 51.7%
Standard Release: 46%
Year Released: 2017
Packaging: Green presentation carton with maritime artwork
Rarity: Limited; S1 versions are highly collectible bottlings consistently show higher appreciation due to lower outturn and higher ABV.
🌊 Flavour Profile (Kelpie Signature Notes)
Expect a bold, maritime-forward Ardbeg:
Rich peat smoke with seaweed and brine
Dark chocolate, espresso, black pepper
Smoked fish, tar, and coastal minerals
Resin, cedar, and herbal spice from Black Sea oak
Long, oily, smoky finish
Kelpie is often described as one of Ardbeg’s most adventurous cask experiments.
🧠 Why Collectors Want It
First-ever Ardbeg matured in Black Sea oak casks
Strong cult following among Ardbeg enthusiasts
Committee Edition adds significant value
Distinctive packaging and mythology-inspired branding
Rising secondary-market demand since discontinuation
Considered one of the better modern Ardbeg limited releases