Just In: Ardbeg 10 Year Old Cask Strength, the Strongest Ever — and My Memories of Ardbeg’s “Lord of the Isles”

2026.10.05

In short: Ardbeg 10 Year Old Cask Strength is back — a Japan-exclusive first released in 2003, revived after 20 years at 61.7%, the strongest Committee release yet, and sold out in 19 minutes. Plus owner Mika Tanimoto’s memories of her first overseas distillery visit, to Ardbeg on Islay in 2009, and the Lord of the Isles she brought home. From Bar Little Happiness, Hiroshima.

The “Ardbeg 10 Year Old Cask Strength” that Ardbeg lovers around the world have longed for for 20 years!!

It has arrived at Little Happiness too!

A 20-year longing fulfilled: the essence of “Ado-Ten,” at cask strength!

Ardbeg’s flagship, the 10 Year Old, affectionately known in Japan as “Ado-Ten.”

Its cask strength version has finally been revived!

Released as a Japan exclusive in 2003 and since become a “legend,” that bottle is back after 20 years!

The specs this time are truly “overwhelming.”

At 61.7% ABV, it is the strongest ever among Committee releases.

Looking at the number alone, you might brace yourself — “Isn’t that too strong?” — but one sip tells you it is not simply alcoholic strength.

Spirit matured in bourbon casks gives unprecedented depth and complexity, in perfect harmony with classic peat flavours.

[Memories of Islay] “Lord of the Isles,” which I met at Ardbeg Distillery

Looking at this bottle reminds me of the first time I visited a distillery abroad.

That place was Ardbeg Distillery on Islay.

Sadly I have hardly any photos left, but in 2009 Ardbeg was in the middle of renovating its visitor area, and I still vividly remember stylish fittings lying around everywhere.

Islay back then was unbelievably quiet, with few people, and a relaxed air as if time had stopped.

In the middle of all that, I met and fell in love at first sight with “Ardbeg Lord of the Isles,” and brought it home.

To be honest, back then hardly anyone drank whisky this expensive.

Without thinking ahead about “who will drink it,” I was simply captivated by how lovely it was.

It was right after I had founded Bar Little Happiness and moved to our current location.

Money was really tight and times were hard, but “this one, no matter what” — I stretched myself with a lot of resolve, for me at the time, to get it. It is a bottle full of memories.

It slowly sold out over several years, but its lovely empty box is still carefully kept in a corner of Little Happiness.

I usually let go of empty bottles and boxes quickly because I have no space, but this box is different.

Every time I see it, it reminds me of how earnest I was back then — my own precious treasure.

■ A “layered universe” of bonfire embers and sea breeze

Official tasting notes

Nose

Tar and sea breeze, with sweetness wrapped in toffee and smoke.

Palate

Sweetness reminiscent of smoked cinnamon and spice

Dense smoke of tar, peat moss and wood smoke

Flavours like baked biscuits

Finish

A fresh finish reminiscent of eucalyptus

With “a few drops of water,” light vanilla and lime rise up, and Ardbeg’s characteristic “bonfire embers” aroma stands out even more.

Sold out in an instant thanks to the huge attention

It apparently sold out in 19 minutes.

A blissful glass, feeling the sea breeze of Islay.

About this bottle

At Bar Little Happiness, you can enjoy Ardbeg 10 Year Old Cask Strength (61.7% ABV; a Japan-exclusive release revived after 20 years) in three ways:

• Drink it at Bar Little Happiness

• Take it home in a small sample bottle (sold by measure) from the bar

• Order from our online shop (delivery within Japan)

For those who want to try a small amount first, as a souvenir of your trip, or at home if you live far away.

→ [Ardbeg 10 Year Old Cask Strength sample bottle (sold by measure) | the strongest-ever 61.7% Islay malt] (https://shop.little-happiness.jp/products/10ardbeg) (in Japanese)

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