Islay Cask Unveils ABHAG III: Amarone-Finished Peated Blended Malt

Islay Cask Company Unveils ABHAG III: Limited Islay Blended Malt with Rare Amarone Finish

The Islay Cask Company expands its portfolio with Islay Cask 2019 Abhag III 50 cl , the latest release in its "Terrier approved Peated Blended Whisky" series from Islay. This limited edition Blended Islay Malt stands out by marrying traditional Islay peatiness with an uncommon maturation twist—a first fill Amarone cask finish that lends distinct character to this 56.8% ABV whisky.

Maturation & Flavor Profile

ABHAG III initially matured in a refill hogshead before spending its final aging phase in a first fill Amarone cask. Amarone wine casks, sourced from Italy's Valpolicella region, are prized for their rich aroma concentration stemming from dried grapes. This translates into a refined complexity in the whisky, balancing elegant fruit notes of cherries, berries, and grapes with light, smoky undertones. The profile reveals a layered structure that evolves over time in the glass, inviting exploration without complexity.

A deliberate interplay of traditional Islay smoke and rare Amarone influence.

Master Blender's Statement

The Islay Cask Company team highlights their aim: "With ABHAG III, we wanted to set new accents deliberately without losing sight of the typical Islay character." They emphasize the rarity and finesse required by the Amarone finish to create a whisky "complex without being complicated."

Release & Availability

Distilled on 12 March 2019 and bottled on 18 April 2026, ABHAG III is limited to only 348 bottles, each presented in a 0.5-liter format. This release is accessible exclusively through Spiritory, making it a unique acquisition for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a distinctive cask strength expression.

Islay Cask 2019 Abhag III 50 cl epitomizes the innovative spirit of Islay whisky craftsmanship infused with rare maturation influence.

About the author

Spiritory Team

Spiritory is a team of dedicated Whisky, Rum and Spirits Enthusiast. Our passion for the product, craftmanship and art of producing the finest spirits in the world will be represented in every article we write on our blog-page. Our goal is to produce content which is interesting to read and for a broad base of consumers, enthusiasts, investors and collectors.