Moët Hennessy – Ardbeg Day 2026

Scottish Hospitality Meets Sicilian Sun in Bavaria

No venue could have offered a better backdrop for Ardbeg Day 2026 than the picturesque, rustic Gutshof Unterbessenbach in Bavaria. Partnering with Ardbeg and Moët Hennessy under the motto "Islay Meets La Dolce Vita," we combined two distinct worlds: the rugged, peaty character of Scotland's Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean charm of 1960s Italian cinema. The event celebrated the launch of the new limited edition "Ardbeg Dolce," bringing together whisky fans from across Germany on the final Saturday of the official Islay Festival.

Concept & Design

The creative challenge: blending two seemingly opposite worlds into something entirely new. Inspired by the golden era of Italian cinema, classic Vespas, flowing silk scarves, and red-and-white tablecloths met heavy peat smoke and the rugged Scottish coast. Every detail of the venue was thoughtfully staged—including a vintage Fiat 500 that captured the "Dolce Vita" vibe as a perfect photo backdrop.

Experience & Entertainment

The estate was transformed into a vibrant Italian piazza. While bocce, ring toss, and wheelbarrow races awakened a spirited Scottish competitiveness, a high-speed Vespa stunt show delivered adrenaline. Live band "The Maccaferri's" set the tone with upbeat Italian tunes, while the day's highlight—a group whisky tasting—was host-led with warmth and humor by comedian Joe Di Nardo.

Food & Drink

Scotland and Italy crossed paths on the menu as well: fresh "Peat-za" served straight from a converted stone-oven Piaggio truck, followed by an irresistible homemade "Affogato al Ardbeg" to wrap up the day.