On June 3, Ardbeg will launch its newest “Ardbeg Day” restricted launch in the course of the annual Fèis Ìle competition. As ordinary, the distillery will likely be celebrating with an oddball particular version: Ardbeg Heavy Vapours.
Why the title? Let’s dive in:
For the primary time ever at Ardbeg its whisky has been distilled with out a air purifier – the equipment on the nonetheless answerable for sustaining Ardbeg’s unequalled stability between excessive peat and floral fruitiness. This inventive experiment by Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Invoice Lumsden, has allowed the heaviest and untamed vapours to stand up the nonetheless in the course of the distillation course of, earlier than being captured, matured and bottled.
Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Invoice Lumsden, commented: “A lacking air purifier is unprecedented for Ardbeg. This experiment was one thing I’ve all the time imagined attempting – what would occur to the flavour and character of Ardbeg as we all know and adore it, by distilling on this distinctive approach? Nicely, it’s now time for Ardbeg followers to seek out out; this can be a full-blown dram the place Ardbeg’s exalted stability has been disrupted in probably the most implausible of how – a very charming dram.”
There’s additionally a whimsical graphic novel about it, when you’re so inclined to learn and have a look at photos when you drink.
I don’t know sufficient concerning the position of the air purifier in distillation to foretell for myself how the dearth of 1 would possibly affect a completed whisky, however rattling if I’m not keen to provide it a attempt. So let’s sally forth. Reviewed right here is the usual launch at 92 proof. The Committee Launch is bottled at 100.4 proof.
Extraordinarily mild in colour, even for Ardbeg, the whisky appears innocuous sufficient within the glass. The basic aroma of seaside bonfire smoke of Ardbeg wafts instantly from the glass, tempered by mild touches of milk chocolate, overripe fruit, and a few salted caramel — although these are all troublesome to parse within the wake of a reasonably intense blast of peat.
The palate does see a extra advanced complement of flavors coming into focus, together with mint, a clearer tropical be aware — pineapples and a few coconut — with loads of ashy dustiness ready within the wings. Surprisingly, all of this works collectively in a bizarrely compelling vogue, the peat changing into earthy and smoldering, any overt smokiness taking a again seat as fruity sweetness makes a stronger affect. A briny high quality presents a stunning stage of refreshment on the end, pairing nicely with each fruit and lingering smokiness. For my cash, that is significantly extra classically balanced than the usual Ardbeg bottlings — although what precisely is supposed by “stability” on the planet of peated Scotch is open for interpretation.
All advised, this can be a decidedly scrumptious illustration of Ardbeg. I say take that air purifier and throw it out, Invoice!
92 proof.
A / $250 / ardbeg.com
Ardbeg Heavy Vapours
$250
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