Islay region – matured in a puncheon cask – 64.4%ABV – $95 (no longer available – only a few hundred bottles available)
Over the next few days I’m going to focus on whiskies by distilleries I’ll be visiting while in Scotland. I’ll be in Scotland from August 12th – 20th (as part of a tour led by Jason Johnstone-Yellin of GSD and the Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society) and I’ll be visiting:
- Arran
- Ardbeg
- Bowmore
- Lagavulin
- Talisker
- Glenmorangie
- The Balvenie
- Glenglassaugh
- plus others…
During the tour I plan on taking lots of pictures, videos and keeping a tour diary that will be made public and will be made available as soon as humanly possible.
So, today’s whisky is one bottled by the SMWSA. A young peaty Ardbeg. Let’s see how she fares…
On the nose – VERY young smelling stuff! Fruity new make spirit.
After a couple of minutes to get past the newness of it all and we’ve got notes of barbecued pulled pork (or what I remember of it).
Lime & agave (think silver, unaged tequila).
This is a very aggressive whisky and not the most complex but not unpleasant.
On the mouth – Much softer than expected.
Pussycat attack with honey and burnt sugar.
Some lemon pledge furniture polish.
Salty iodine, fresh sea air.
More like a smoky Mezcal, really.
Those agave notes are really present here.
Finish – A touch of milk chocolate with chili peppers. Medium long.
In sum – Not what I’m after in an Ardbeg. Even young Ardbeg (the ones I’ve had) seemed ready. This one, on the other hand, seemed like it could have used a few more years in the cask (or maybe even to spent some time in another cask).
Special thanks goes out to Chris Kent for the Sample!