An Ardbeg that's said to be "as deep as the ocean" thanks to the use of virgin Black Sea oak casks sourced by Dr. Bill Lumsden from the Adyghe Republic in Russia. Whisky from these casks has then been married with regular bourbon cask matured Ardbeg and bottled for Fèis Ìle 2017 at 46%. The kelpie from which this release takes its name is a mischievous water spirit, which might be able to take the form of a horse, or a bull, and may have claws, or be a dog with the head of an ant, that flies. Or Crab Nicholson.
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
A wonderful, intense, ‘dancing’ nose, with lots of different, intertwined aromas – powerful, oily peat, dark chocolate, smoked fish, hints of seaweed, and a curious, sharp herbal note. Waves of spicy black pepper.
A peppery mouthfeel is followed by a crescendo of rich flavours. Treacle toffee, Turkish coffee, smoky bacon and lots of dark, dark chocolate. A curious burst of peachy, estery fruit, hickory wood, clove oil and a suggestion of black olives.
Seemingly lasting forever, with deep, deep, almost subterranean flavours of clove, tar, and rich toffee.
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My favourite Ardbeg expression
This is good whisky. I don't find it overly complex on the nose or taste but what is there is quality. Has that oily, maritime Ardbeg peat moment with some additional vanilla-ish sweetness from those Black Sea oak casks. The mid palette has a big swell of black pepper and some cinnamon with a nice vegetal sweet peat finish. Definitely enjoyable.
I loved this but Ardbeg grooves is smokier and more my kind of taste :)
I think they really did a great job with this one. At it's core you can taste the 10yo, but the Black Sea virgin oak casks really keep you guessing...I love it. Sometimes more intense sweetness,..then not, and then interesting spice and herbaceousness. Glad I bought two bottles.
Another delicious Ardbeg!
