Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 61.7%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Additional coloring: No
Owner: Moet Hennessy
Average price: € 85.00
Official website: www.ardbeg.com
The latest editions released by Ardbeg for the Committee, the (slightly) exclusive club of distillery enthusiasts, have not fully satisfied fans, as has almost always been the case with the new bottlings produced by the creative mind of Bill Lumsden, the guardian spirit of Ardbeg.
In recent years, things seem to have changed, with a return to age declarations and maturations that seem to chase taste more than whimsy.
In 2026, a long-awaited release finally hit the shelves: a cask strength version of the iconic ten-year-old, of which only one version had been made for the Japanese market over twenty years ago.
Classic aging in ex-bourbon barrels, some of which have been filled with the new make at distillation strength, thus not diluted to the usual strength of 63.5%abv, just because something unusual had to be done.
This is the first bottling of the Committee under the guidance of Gillian Macdonald (Master Blender) and Bryony McNiven (Distillery Manager).
Tasting Notes
The first thing that strikes the nose is the complete absence of alcoholic prickle; blindly, it would be hard to think it is a cask strength. The aromas are all in their place, a classic Ardbeg with a symphony of asphalt, grilled seafood, brine, and fruits (pineapple, apple, yellow orange, apricot) passed over the grill. Over time, the sweet components strengthen, including licorice, lemon curd, macarons, and hazelnut, with the common thread of smoke that remains primary but not aggressive. Clean, balanced, direct.
Even in drinking, the strength of alcohol is less assertive than the numbers would suggest: it is felt, to be clear, but it is well integrated and not at all invasive. Spiced just right, with a component of black pepper and ginger that introduces more bitter flavors compared to the aroma, where the smoke (between sea and hydrocarbons) inevitably leads fruits (mostly citrus), pastries (crema catalana, sweet licorice, burnt scones), nuts (almonds, walnuts), and chinchona. A touch of anise and vegetal notes linger on.
The finish is quite long and dry with spices and smoke framing citrus, nuts, licorice, and chincona.
Review: Don’t expect an explosive and radical whisky; it’s somewhat a return to the roots, to a primary and essential dram, well-crafted, without peaks or falls, that captures the essence of Ardbeg without much fuss. In other times, it might have been overlooked, but today it stands out almost like a gem.
Vote: 87/100