|
16th April 2024 |
Ardbeg has
unveiled the limited edition whisky
which they have created to mark Ardbeg
Day 2024, it is Ardbeg Spectacular, an
elixir of single mat whisky which
has matured in ex-bourbon and Port wine
casks, which is rather unique for
Ardbeg.
 Annually celebrated on the final
Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music
and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a
worldwide homage to everything Ardbeg.
This year, the festivities will reach
dazzling heights at the Distillery and
beyond on Saturday, June 1st, with the
introduction of Ardbeg Spectacular, one
of the distillery's most audacious
experiments yet.
Ardbeg Spectacular is the Distillery’s
inaugural whisky aged in port wine casks,
this avant-garde limited edition is said
to present an array of flavours
previously unexplored at Ardbeg.
Building upon the foundation of classic
bourbon-matured Ardbeg, the whisky
entirely matured in these port barrels
unveils a cascade of richness and a
captivating burst of colour to the Islay
malt. I am told you can expect dark
chocolate somersaults on the palate,
mint tiptoes along the high wire, while
scents of candied fruit, incense
candles, and smoked pecans swing through
like trapeze artists. Yes you may have
guessed, Ardbeg Day 2024 has a circus
theme.
Drawing inspiration from the whisky’s
deep, mysterious flavours—a spectacle as
captivating as any circus act—the Islay
single malt invites enthusiasts to join
its own "Dark Circus" on Ardbeg Day. For
just one day, at the Distillery and
local events worldwide, whisky
aficionados can immerse themselves in an
unconventional, smoky Ardbeggian take on
the circus, with intriguing tastings,
eccentric games, and a peaty
extravaganza.
Gillian Macdonald, Ardbeg Master
Blender, said: "Ardbeg Spectacular is a
high-flying spirit, very befitting of
Ardbeg Day. Its years in bourbon and
port casks create a spectacle of
flavours, the like of which Ardbeggians
will never have tasted before. We invite
fans to roll up and feast their palates
on its peculiar notes of mint chocolate,
incense, lavender and smoked nuts, set
off by a daring double act of salted
caramel and tar. Like the finest
performances in the circus ring, this is
a whisky not to be missed."
Jackie Thomson, Distillery Visitor
Centre Manager and Ringmaster
Extraordinaire, said: "This Ardbeg Day
we will celebrate our whisky in the most
spectacular style – from this new
limited edition, to our core range
favourites like Ardbeg Ten Years Old.
I’m looking forward to entering into the
spirit of the circus with fans at the
Distillery, online and across the globe
on 1st June, as we come together to
juggle big, bold smoky flavours and
marvel at the phenolic phenomenon that
is Ardbeg!"
Bottled at 46% ABV Ardbeg Spectacular
has a RRP 0f £110 and will be available
here in the UK from 23rd April and other
markets from late April.
You will find the current
Ardbeg whisky range available from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
|
Ardbeg Spectacular Review
|
Bottled at 46% ABV.
Producer's
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Curiously
perfumed and aromatic, a big top note of
fragrant lavender tumbles into vetiver
and incense candles. Down below, deeper
notes of leather and wax dance alongside
a rich almond nuttiness. A splash of
water reveals gentle wisps of woodsmoke
and damp peat moss. Hints of menthol
hurl headlong into rich antique leather.
Taste: A
viscous mouthfeel bursts forth to
introduce a sparkling array of salty,
sweet, and savoury flavours. Peat smoke,
eucalyptus oil, minty chocolate and
toffee mingle with smoked pecans,
creosote, and tar. Subtle sweet pear
crumble and fudge lurk in the
background.
Finish: Finally,
a long and lingering finale of salted
caramel and cooling menthol brings this
showstopping spectacle of flavour to a
close.
|
Where To Buy Whisky Online
|
|
Select a country for a list of
specialist Whisky shops who delivers to
you:
|
Whisky Focus
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