Ardbeg Dark Cove is matured in ex-bourbon and "dark Sherry casks" for "The Darkest Ardbeg Ever". If the Committee Release is anything to go by (which it is), then the hue isn't actually terribly dark, but those 'dark' casks provide plenty of oaky depth. Undoubtedly a terrific single malt, there are interesting comparisons to be made with the partly Oloroso matured Uigeadail.
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
At first meaty, earthy and spicy, with bold notes of dark chocolate emerging against orange, treacle toffee, coffee and oak, a smoky background and a mysterious floral note.
The mouthfeel is almost tart, with raisins, dates, ginger and pepper spice surge and waves of smouldering charcoal, wood polish and creosote notes, leading to cured smoked ham and squid ink noodles.
Long, spicy and rich with notes of toffee, coffee and tar.
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Dominated by a weird taste of cardboard. Lacks depth.
Your review hits the nail on the head. A lovely expression from Ardbeg with none of the acetic acid or ethyl acetate notes found in some NAS and Young whiskies. The peaty smoke merges with the sherry casks probably OLOROSO and the ex bourbon casks probably Jack Daniels alligator char to produce, spicy, dry fruit, sun dried fruit, Chocloate, mocha. Earthy notes dissipate to be replaced by these other flavours. Didn't get much orange but a little Chocloate Orange note. The finish is long slightly sweet yet tannic but not strongly so.
This is a 5 star whisky all day long. Beautifully balanced between sweet, rich, smoky, fruity, complex flavours. Ardbeg nailed it with this one.
Mind blowing
If you love Ardbeg 10 thrn you’ll love this. It’s like a dark chocolate covered ardbeg with more snokey fruit. Absolutely a favourite. So sad it’s gone
