A perk of travelling is picking up interesting releases in Duty Free. On my recent travels, I managed to pick up not only the Jack Daniel’s single malt Tennessee whiskey, but also the Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition single malt Scotch whisky.
I’ve previously enjoyed the Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition, which balanced sweet notes with salty peat, thanks to its unique mix of ex-Manzanilla sherry and American oak casks. There’s also a Côte Rôtie Edition, which sadly slipped past me. The Smoketrails series as a whole explores how casks from different regions shape Ardbeg’s famously smoky character.
The Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition, released in January 2025 as a travel retail exclusive (though I’ve also spotted it on Amazon), is the third instalment in the series. This expression combines malt matured in Cabernet Sauvignon casks from California’s Napa Valley with traditional bourbon casks, giving it a distinctly bold yet fruity twist.
For context, Ardbeg is one of Islay’s legendary distilleries, sitting on the island’s southern coast. Ardbeg is known for producing some of the peatiest whiskies in the world and has built a cult following. Personally, I rate drams like Ardbeg An Oa highly, so I was curious to see how the Napa Valley red wine influence would play with the distillery’s iconic smoke.
Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky
Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition Whisky Review
(I have a bottle from batch no: US/NV: 2024/03-ST)
ABV: 46%
COUNTRY: Scotland
COLOUR: Bright gold
NOSE: Classic Ardbeg from the first whiff—peat and smoke layered with tar and ashy notes. Then comes a meaty, smoked ham character balanced by bursts of red berries and florals. Honeycomb sweetness and earthy green moss rise in the background, with woody malt tying it all together. A bold, complex opening.
PALATE: Intense waves of smoke and medicinal peat, followed by ripe forest berries, dark fruits, and a touch of orange zest. There’s BBQ char, roasted espresso beans, and honey sweetness, lifted by warming pepper and subtle rye spices. Earthy undertones and drying tannins give it depth. The Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition is unapologetically bold, smoky, and multi-layered, with a fascinating balance between bonfire grit and vibrant fruit.
FINISH: Medium length. Oak and pepper linger alongside smoke and peat, with soft berries and a grassy freshness trailing off at the end.
RATING: EXCELLENT
I’ll be honest—new Ardbeg releases can be hit or miss. With the marketing hype and premium pricing, I often find myself disappointed. Espesially with their Ardbeg Day releases.
But the Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition delivers. The interplay of red wine tannins, ashy peat smoke, and juicy sweetness creates a whisky that’s both complex and rewarding. Layers of honey, chocolate, and red fruits weave around Ardbeg’s trademark iodine punch, making this one of the standout recent releases.
My only gripe? The finish is shorter than I’d like, especially for a whisky of this complexity. Still, for the price—and considering its unique cask influence—it offers excellent value. If you see this bottle in duty-free or online, it’s well worth grabbing. I have spotted it on Amazon. Check it out before it’s gone.
Final Thoughts
With both the Manzanilla and Napa Valley editions hitting the mark, I can’t help but wish I’d snagged the Côte Rôtie Edition too. A side-by-side comparison between the Manzanilla and Napa Valley expressions is definitely on my list to fully explore how these wine casks shape Ardbeg’s peaty spirit.
If you’re an Islay whisky fan—or simply curious about how red wine casks can transform smoky single malt—the Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition is a must-try.
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