So a vatting of ten years old Ardbeg ex-bourbon (60%, I've heard) and ex-manzanilla sherry (I've heard 40%). Not sure it's cask strength, and not too sure the manzanilla wasn't simply a finishing. Remember manzanilla, which I love, is usually pretty extreme, bone dry sherry.
Colour: gold.
Nose: the very dry sherry is very obvious in this context, that is to say after the ‘X-fill’ versions that we just had. I’m sure it wouldn’t have been this loud, had I tried it ‘solo’. That translates into a combination of fresh walnuts, curry and probably curcuma, which is kind of funny, while the original distillate is a little shier. Having said that, the manzanilla makes it kind of more complex than the others, but also less ‘Ardbeg’. Whiffs of exhaust fumes and tar. With water: ginger liqueur, vanilla and sawdust. Some newish oak comes through.
Mouth (neat): the difference is even more striking on the palate. There is some lemon, a sootiness, grapefruits, kippers and such but also these walnuts, this curry again, notes of bitterish liquorice wood, some raw tobacco and something I’m not too fond of because that screams ‘newish oak!’, ginger. With water: indeed, it’s some pretty active oak that does most of the talking. Ginger, curry and other spices.
Comments: while the previous ones were distillate-driven, this is rather oak-driven in comparison, and it’s not only the manzanilla that talks. It’s very good whisky – of course – but I still prefer Ardbeg au naturel, if I may say so.
Gal Granov (90)
Nose: Sweet toffee layered upon peat , ash and salted toffee. A bit herbal too. Ash. Sweet peat and earthy notes in addition to smoked ham and salted cashew nuts. Sweet savoury yet medicinal and earthy. Brilliant.
Palate : quite oily and big. Stars with salted nuts and almonds , toffee. Big peat notes with a hot cinnamon edge. A hint of apples and tons if ash, with a touch of sea brine.
Finish : long semi sweet semi bitter finish. Dark chocolate. Ash. Coffee.
Bottom line
This is one of the better Ardbegs I’ve had lately, and it’s slightly better than last year’s Ardbeg day in my opinion as well as Galileo. It’s yummy, and the combination of sweet and salty nuts and smoked meat is indeed lovely. I am confident it shall be a big success among Ardbeg (and peat) lovers.
Ardbog will be available on the Ardbeg site, and in Ardbeg Embassies all over the world
BOW (90)
Ardbeg Ardbog Limited Edition: A Tribute to Earth and Fire
In the realm of single malt Scotch whisky, Ardbeg stands tall as an emblem of intense, smoky complexity. With a legacy that spans centuries, the Ardbeg distillery on the Isle of Islay has consistently produced exceptional expressions. Among its distinctive releases, the Ardbeg Ardbog Limited Edition, bottled in 2013 for the Feis Ile festival, is a remarkable tribute to the elements of earth and fire. Distilled and matured for ten years in a blend of ex-Bourbon barrels and Manzanilla Sherry butts, this whisky is a celebration of nature's influence on flavor.
The Ardbeg Distillery
Before we delve into the captivating world of the Ardbeg Ardbog, it's essential to recognize the heritage of the Ardbeg distillery. Nestled on the rugged southern coast of the Isle of Islay in Scotland, Ardbeg has a storied history dating back to 1815. Despite facing numerous challenges, including periods of closure and changes in ownership, its unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional peated whisky has solidified its place in the hearts of connoisseurs worldwide.
The 10-Year Journey
The Ardbeg Ardbog was distilled and laid down to mature in 2003, which was a significant period for the distillery's revival. The whisky was then bottled in 2013, marking a decade of maturation. During this time, it was carefully aged in a combination of ex-Bourbon barrels and Manzanilla Sherry butts, both of which contributed unique flavors to the final product.
Tasting Notes
The Ardbeg Ardbog Limited Edition is a whisky that exudes earthy and smoky allure. Here are some tasting notes to help you appreciate its distinctive character:
1. Color: Deep amber with copper reflections, reminiscent of the rich earth.
2. Nose: The aroma is a complex interplay of peat smoke, dark chocolate, and dried fruits. It evokes the scent of a campfire in the heart of a forest.
3. Palate: On the palate, you'll encounter an explosion of smoky, peaty flavors complemented by the sweetness of toffee, dried fruits, and a gentle hint of brine. The Sherry cask influence adds depth and complexity.
4. Finish: The finish is long and warming, with smoky embers and a subtle touch of oak.
A Tribute to Earth and Fire
The name "Ardbog" pays homage to the peat bogs that surround the distillery, providing the rich, earthy peat that fuels the whisky's character. The influence of the Manzanilla Sherry butts, with their unique Spanish oak flavors, adds an extra layer of complexity to the whisky's profile, creating a harmonious marriage of earth and fire.
The Ardbeg Ardbog Limited Edition was crafted to honor the elemental forces that shape Islay's landscape and flavor. It's a testament to the distillery's dedication to quality and innovation.
Conclusion
The Ardbeg Ardbog Limited Edition is a whisky that captures the essence of the natural world and transforms it into a liquid masterpiece. Whether you're an experienced whisky enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Islay single malts, this expression invites you to embark on a sensory journey through earth and fire.
Raise a glass to the Ardbog and savor the distinctive flavors that have been crafted by nature and the hands of skilled distillers. This limited edition release is a testament to the harmony that can be achieved when the elements of earth and fire converge in a single dram of Ardbeg whisky.
