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Ardbeg, Spectacular, Islay, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)

  • Scotch Whisky
Product: 10008250025
Ardbeg, Spectacular, Islay, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)

Description

A first for Ardbeg, this whisky has been matured in highly sought-after port wine casks and then married with classic bourbon barrels, creating an extraordinarily smoky and balanced Ardbeg dram that imparts all manner of peculiar notes and aromas. This is devilish sweet meets smoky peat!

Sunset Orange colour. Curiously perfumed and aromatic, with lovely fragrant top notes like lavender, vetiver, and incense candle sticks. Underneath this are some deeper notes, a touch of leather, some almond nuttiness, and a touch of wax. A splash of water opens up the bouquet, revealing touches of woodsmoke, damp peat moss, a hint of menthol, and more antique leather. 

The mouthfeel is salty but viscous at the same time. It leads into a burst of huge, salty, savoury, smoky flavours- eucalyptus oil, salted caramel toffee, smoked pecan, nuts, fragrant woodsmoke, creosote and tar. There is also a background sweetness, like a smoky pear crumble and fudge. Finally, on the long lingering aftertaste, more leather, salted caramel and a cooling menthol sensation.

Product Type Scotch Whisky
Main Ingredients Barley
Region Scotch Whisky
Producer Ardbeg Distillery, Islay

About this spirit

Ardbeg Distillery, Islay

The origins of Ardbeg (which in Gaelic means small headland) Distillery date as far back as 1794. John MacDougall established the present distillery on the south coast of Islay in 1815 and it was fully operational by 1817. The MacDougall family retained ownership until 1977 when Hiram Walker gained control. However, with most of its output used in blending, Ardbeg struggled to remain viable during the economic downturn of the 1970s, resulting in it being run on a care and maintenance basis from 1983. The distillery closed in July 1996, only to reopen in 1997. Ardbeg maintains the robust and earthy aromas associated with Islay malts. Described as having a hefty bite and a rich finish, flavours detected include peat smoke, seaweed, sawdust and iodine. Glenmorangie Plc bought the distillery in 1997. The new owners revived the tradition of producing a very peaty single malt. All the production is sold as single malt (which is rather unusual in the world of whisky). In 2019, a new still house was built to keep up with the increasing demand for this single malt. However, due to the Covid pandemic, it wasn’t opened until March 2021. Ardbeg is now the third most important Islay malt, with a range of limited releases showing its constant experimentation. (Adapted from the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2024)
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Islay

Islay

Islay whisky is a distinctive style of Scotch whisky from the Isle of Islay, known for its peaty and smoky flavours. The island's maritime climate adds a briny quality to the whiskies. Famous distilleries like Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Bowmore produce sought-after single malts with powerful and complex flavours, making Islay whisky a captivating category within Scotch whisky.
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Barley

Barley is a key ingredient in the production of some of the world's most renowned spirits, particularly whiskey and Scotch whisky. Malted barley is used as the primary grain in many single malt and blended Scotch whiskies, where it contributes a distinct malty, nutty, and sometimes smoky flavour profile. In addition to Scotch, barley is also a staple in the production of Irish whiskey, where it often lends a smoother, creamier taste. The versatility of barley as a grain makes it a favorite for creating complex and deeply nuanced spirits cherished by enthusiasts worldwide.

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