Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 56.1%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Rum
Chillfiltered: No
Additional coloring: No
Owner: Moet Hennessy
Average price: € 150.00
Official website: www.ardbeg.com
A special edition for the 2025 Fèis Ìle, this bottling is currently only available at the distillery, although there are rumours that it may become part of Ardbeg’s permanent portfolio, perhaps in a different form.
Five years of maturation in ex-bourbon casks followed by another six in ex-rum casks, so formally an 11-year-old but with no indication on the label, presented at cask strength and at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Tasting Notes
Sea and smoke are the pillars of a rich and full aroma, in which peat is elegant and well integrated into its coastal and salty soul that weaves together oysters, Taggiasca olives, brine and scallops grilled with medicinal smoke. The contribution of citrus fruits is full-bodied, ranging from lemon juice to lemon tart, accompanied by almond paste, icing sugar, juniper berries and toasted pine nuts, with a small contribution of spices (black pepper, coriander) and aromatic herbs (thyme, rosemary). Catalan cream base. All-round island.
Tropical tones of pineapple, muscovado sugar, macadamia and mango make their way onto the palate, with distinct vegetal notes of fennel and liquorice root. But the soul remains maritime, with a salinity more reminiscent of sea water than brine, a tasty platter of raw fish with smoked shrubs and seaweed and accentuated spices (black pepper, aniseed, cumin). Liquorice powder, burnt meringues and iodine galore, while the medicinal aspect becomes less prominent. The smoke gains thickness in length, in an oily patina that embraces the walls of the mouth.
The finish is long and coastal, with smoked seafood, toasted brown sugar, vegetal notes, lemon between fruit and pastry, and spices.
A successful synergy between ex-bourbon and rum, which leaves room for the island spirit of the distillate in a full and complex, multifaceted, satisfying whole, as every special edition should truly be.
Vote: 88/100