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A limited edition Ardbeg released during the Fèis Ìle whisky festival. Aged in a combination of bourbon as well as some Manzanilla sherry casks, it was produced for 'Ardbog Day', which was celebrated around the world on 1st June 2013.
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
Nose
Sea salt and brine with some dark fruit and hints of barbecue. Maple syrup, plum, orange, mint and more herbal notes with a touch of tomato vine. White coffee develops.
Palate
Big - it feels like all the moisture is being sucked out of your mouth at first but in a good way(!). Salt crusted raisins, rich nuttiness, pickled onions. Sounds odd but it’s honestly superb!
Finish
There's red chilli heat on the finish as well as paprika.
Overall
Ardbeg should be celebrated for their measured use of Manzanilla casks here - one of the best bottlings at Fèis Ìle 2013.
In stock, get it tomorrow with express delivery09:53:38
An all time high!
Lots of whiskys gets me enthusiastic, yet Ardbog stands out as the single most giving whisky I've ever tasted. It's rough and raw, but leave it a couple of minutes, add a few drops of water to open it up and you'll be rewarded With a fantastic range of developing tastes, 10, 20 even 30 minutes after the last sip. If you find it, go for it!
Sjur Østvold Jul 22, 2015
Hard to get!! But worth it!!
Since it's release, this has built up quite a stir. Becoming ever hard to get hold of.
I think its mainly retailing for around £150 - £200, if you can find it.
It definitely falls into the bracket of their better expressions and has gained huge regard in its reviews. Rightly so.
I found this to be awesome. If you like the Ugidal, this is the next step. As there's the same sherry influence, but there's more punch, with more smoked meat and savoury, earthy undertones. The twist of what can only be described as salty, toffee, syrup mixed with hot chilli peat. very addictive.
Master of Malt Customer Jan 13, 2015
Ugidal 2.0
Sea shore, smoke, tar, nuts, crude oil, sherry, barrel age, chili pepper, and peat. Excellent! With every offering I buy of Ardbeg, I'm falling more and more in love with the product. My advice is to try the Ugidal first. Then go to this one which tastes like a more concentrated version of it. Good luck finding it. If you see it, I suggest picking it up!
Larry Burgess Jan 6, 2015
My Ardbog Story
This one is special for me. After reading all the reviews I had to track it down. I live in US state that controls the sale of hard liquor - not beer and wine - it distribute only through state owned outlets. Benefits of that is a set price list and a sophisticated yet accessible online inventory. I found one bottle at a location almost 2 hours away. Packed the kids on a Saturday afternoon and drove up. We arrive only to be told someone has reserved it. I was bummed. I start my search again by calling many many private shops in the neighboring state. We found one - a three store family owned chain that carried it. Wife goes to a baby shower that weekend, somewhere close to one of their stores. They didn't have it on the shelf. wife asked for the manager and one of the owner's sons comes out. He goes out back and finds a dusty case of 6. List price is 93$US. She asks him what kind of discount for 2. He said, 70 a piece since these things aren't selling anyway. She buys them and runs. Wish she bought more. On to my review.
This is a very special very beautiful scotch. I have had the ugie and the Corry. corry comes a little close but remains well behind. I don't drink warm whisky - usually a cold stone. But this one is best savored at room temp. the nose is unlike anything I have ever experienced. for me when the nose is complex, I let the scotch sit in the dram for 5 mins or so before a first sip. drink some water a few minutes beforehand to really wash your palate. take your first sip and let it sit on your tongue moving it side to side to let it touch every single taste bud. you can easily do that with ardbog because it is mature enough that the tongue burn is all but gone. I poured a nice dram - a double by barkeep standards - 30 mins after dinner. I savored it for 3 hours. each sip is an awesome pleasure - more of a privilege to enjoy. take your time with it and see how new hints come forward with each palate and finish. the best way to describe this is to take your favorite part of Lagavulin 16, Talisker Storm, adding the finish of a highland park 18 to the smoothness of a good 21 or 25 yr old like Balvenie or Dalwhinnie. smooth smoke and full peat. I think ardbog nails it.
6 weeks since - I plan to keep a bottle in the box for as long as I can. the other is half way through. I shared 3 drams with my brother and close friends who appreciate it. Hell of a dram.
Master of Malt Customer Dec 7, 2014
Lasting taste
Exactly what I was hoping for.
Add a few drops of water and let it rest for two minutes, and Ardbog delivers a fantastic after taste that lasts and lasts, ever evolving. True bliss!
