Ardbeg Committee releases are often very concerned whiskies showcasing distinctive manufacturing strategies and unique maturations paired with an elaborate backstory. For this newest restricted version, nevertheless, the long-lasting Islay distillery is getting again to fundamentals, delivering a cask power model of their traditional 10-year-old single malt. And, apparently, it’s not for the primary time. After a really restricted launch in 2003 (obtainable in Japan solely), long-time Ardbeg followers have been clamoring for one more spherical, and the distillery larger ups lastly obliged.
The usual cask power therapy would most likely have sufficed, however that is extra than simply that. Ardbeg’s whisky wizards, Dr. Invoice Lumsden, Grasp Blender Gillian MacDonald and new Distillery Supervisor Bryony McNiven, reportedly hand-selected selection American oak bourbon casks together with some experimental barrels crammed with undiluted spirit at an “unusually” excessive abv, ensuing within the highest bottling power of any Ardbeg Committee launch up to now. The distillery doesn’t get into the specifics of those experimental barrels, however Ardbeg sometimes fills its casks with spirit at or close to the business commonplace of 63.5%. 70% is a typical ceiling, so presumably we’re speaking a spirit power someplace in that vary. Let’s see what that additional octane has finished to this smoky traditional.
Ardbeg 10 Years Outdated Cask Power Assessment
On the nostril, this single malt sings at full quantity with all of the Ardbeg hallmarks. It begins smoky and meaty with notes of creosote, sea salt, burnt espresso, and mesquite ash recent from an extended barbecue. A lacing of grilled lime provides brightness. As issues open within the glass, that delicate, citrus zing properly enhances sweeter notes of darkish caramel, toasted sugar, and cut up vanilla bean and ultimately finds concord with the extra savory high notes of seaside bonfire and occasional roaster. It’s traditional Ardbeg however with a contact extra richness and complexity.
The palate continues the development, delivering extra of these acquainted Ardbeg parts however with added depth and depth. For the beefiest Committee launch up to now, it’s surprisingly approachable with a spherical, oily mouthfeel and a delicate, peppery heat that simmers evenly throughout the sip. There’s nothing overly shocking on the flavour entrance, however what actually stands out is simply how candy and fruity it’s in comparison with its commonplace proof brother. Ardbeg 10 has all the time delivered a singular citrus dimension with lime zest and flamed orange peel notes, a lot in order that it really works nice in a whisky bitter cocktail (thanks for the advice, Dr. Invoice). At cask power, that fruit is much more pronounced with massive notes of limeade and lemon merengue pie. That’s to not say the smoke takes a again seat right here. Thick plumes of campfire and pit roasted BBQ are woven all through, bolstered with notes of charcoal briquettes, camphor, and just a little olive brine.
All of these flavors coalesce and construct with cask power vigor into the end, eroding into an extended, heat fadeout of lavender, licorice, candle smoke, and crispy ginger snap cookies. Regardless of the wholesome proof to take care of, it’s nuanced and interesting and simply as balanced because the traditional 10-year-old. These followers of the 2003 launch had been proper to pine for a sequel. And at underneath $100, it’s just about a no brainer.
123.4 proof.
A / $90
Ardbeg 10 Years Outdated Cask Power
USD90
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