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.
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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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I always have Ardbeg on hand in my collection and am a huge peat fan from all islay. That said, this is in no way a watered down Ugi. Anyone that says so is incorrectly remembering, has not had them side by side, had a bad bottle or is just full of it. If anything it's closer to Cory than Ugi but so Dark Cove is its own fantastic critter. For me, this is on my top 5 list with octomore (peat rep) and Revival 15 (sherry rep) filling in as well. Dark Cove is the perfect blend of peat and sweet in my book. Palate is subjective but this is a must try in my book.
Had my hopes up for this one given many great reviews. However, not at all like any Arbeg I have tasted. Agree it tastes a bit young and "watered down". My major complaint is that I get a strong taste of green olives. Not something I want in a scotch. The smooth vanilla cake flavours I like in the 10 and Uige and completely missing here. Will give away the almost full bottle.
Anyone who describes this as watered down Uigeadail should take the trouble to do a side by side tasting. Honestly the two whiskies are worlds apart in character. I am forever in love with Uigeadail. The Dark Cove is a beast in it's own right though. It's really dark and heavy on the nose especially. Oily and rich with beautiful notes of well salted fudge and iced christmas cake, with smoke of course. It is a really special experience. My last side by side comparison was between the Ardbeg 10, the Uigeadail, the Dark Cove and the Airigh Nam Beist (yip still have a few bottles stashed away). All og these are phenomenal drams, and the Dark Cove was slightly more subdued on the nose than the rest, but defintely held it's own next to the others. Of course the ANB was the clear winner, but Dark Cove made itself yet a new Ardbeg soft spot in my heart.
I have to agree with a previous review regarding comparison with Uigeadeil. For its price, it has to bear no resemblance to a watered down U. and for my palate that comparison can be made. Nonetheless, a delicious drink.
So well balanced and a really long lingering taste. I can imagine people that aren't usually fans of peated whisky would even like this fantastic dram. I wish I had bought more!
