Ardbeg 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Ever since its debut in Japan in the early 2000’s, Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength has been one of the most talked-about releases among Ardbeg Committee members. Some might even say it remains the most sought-after release of all time. Traditionally, Ardbeg fills its casks at 63.5% ABV, striking the perfect balance between distillery character and oak influence. But in 2015, the whisky creation team embarked on a bold experiment, filling casks at an undiluted strength. The result is a momentous bottling that captures Ardbeg’s raw intensity, straight out of the bourbon casks. This is the first Committee Release under new Co-Chairs, Gillian Macdonald and Bryony McNiven and it holds the distinction of being the highest ABV of any Committee Release to date. 61.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... On the nose, this single malt sings at full volume with all the Ardbeg hallmarks. It begins smoky and meaty with notes of creosote, sea salt, burnt coffee, and mesquite ash fresh from a long barbecue. A lacing of grilled lime adds brightness. As things open in the glass, that subtle, citrus zing nicely complements sweeter notes of dark caramel, toasted sugar, and split vanilla bean and eventually finds harmony with the more savory top notes of seaside bonfire and coffee roaster. It’s classic Ardbeg but with a touch more richness and complexity. The palate continues the trend, delivering more of those familiar Ardbeg elements but with added depth and intensity. For the beefiest Committee release to date, it’s surprisingly approachable with a round, oily mouthfeel and a gentle, peppery warmth that simmers evenly across the sip. There’s nothing overly surprising on the flavor front, but what really stands out is just how sweet and fruity it is compared to its standard proof brother. Ardbeg 10 has always delivered a unique citrus dimension with lime zest and flamed orange peel notes, so much so that it works great in a whisky sour cocktail (thanks for the recommendation, Dr. Bill). At cask strength, that fruit is even more pronounced with big notes of limeade and lemon merengue pie. That’s not to say the smoke takes a back seat here. Thick plumes of campfire and pit roasted BBQ are woven throughout, reinforced with notes of charcoal briquettes, camphor, and a little olive brine. All of those flavors coalesce and build with cask strength vigor into the finish, eroding into a long, warm fadeout of lavender, licorice, candle smoke, and crispy ginger snap cookies. Despite the healthy proof to contend with, it’s nuanced and engaging and just as balanced as the classic 10-year-old. Those fans of the 2003 release were right to pine for a sequel. At the price, it’s pretty much a no-brainer. - drinkhacker.com

Notes from the producers... Rich, earthy, smoky, and spicy, with a marvelous combination of toffee, tar, and creosote, coffee grounds, and sea spray. Subtle hints of vanilla and lime manage to break through the smoke, and a few drops of water release some classic Ardbeg scents, such as fennel and bonfire embers. The texture is mouth-filling and noticeably spicy, and the palate is surprised by an immediate and intense sweetness, reminiscent of smoked cinnamon and paprika. This is then followed by enormous waves of smoky notes – soot, tar, creosote, peat moss, and woodsmoke to name a few, but the smokiness is always balanced by a gentle malty/biscuity flavor. The aftertaste is mentholated and almost cooling, with hints of eucalyptus and antiseptic lozenges.