Ardbeg Distillery (Scottish Gaelic: Taigh-stail Àirde Beaga) is a Scotch whisky distillery in Ardbeg on the south coast of the isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, in the Inner Hebrides group of islands. The distillery is owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, and produces a heavily peated Islay whisky.
Ardbeg Dark Cove Committee Release
Ardbeg Dark Cove Committee Release, the pre-release for one of the most anticipated dram of every calender year; namely, the annual Ardbeg Day (or night, in this year’s case) release punters, collectors, and whisky lovers all around the world would make room in their acquisition schedule for. The Dark Cove Committee Release was made available in February exclusively for Ardbeg Committee members, bottled at a cool 55% as a reward for Ardbeg’s most loyal customers.
Nose: Earthy and punchy, with notes of dried seaweed and dark mossy peat, roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate, sweet nuttiness reminiscent of orgeat syrup.
Palate: Brandished with the familiar Ardbeg’s sweet peatiness, this dram also boast of winter spices and dried herbs, nuances and layers exploding on the palate with sweet liquorice, mocha, and a lime-like tartness being the most prominent note. After a minute of aeration and the palate becomes more accustomed to the sensory overload, English toffee, treacle, citrus and a curiously hint of smoky lard becomes perceptible.
Finish: Incredibly long and satisfying, sweet and juicy with a delighful oaky fade that belies its age.
Interesting facts: A vatting of approximately 10yo ex-bourbon cask and similarly aged ex PX cask Ardbeg, the vatting of the two are then extra matured again in ex PX casks.
Overall, a true testament to the Ardbeg’s tradition for quality and excellence.
Rating: ★★★★★★★★ 8/10
★: Drink out of a paper bag in a gutter during a storm.
★★: Terrible, only drink for a dare.
★★★: Meh, not undrinkable but best left alone.
★★★★: Best served mixed with something with flavor.
★★★★★: Reasonable, middle of the road.
★★★★★★: Tasty stuff, well worth seeking out.
★★★★★★★: Impressive, something you can proudly share with friends.
★★★★★★★★: Fantastic addition to any bar or collection.
★★★★★★★★★: Incredible, booze doesn’t get better than this.
★★★★★★★★★★: Nectar of the God’s, sell the house and move in next to the Distillery/Brewery.
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