Ardbeg Blasda Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

In this 'experimental' limited release, Ardbeg has tamed its extreme peating level to allow the whisky's lighter qualities to shine through. The result is 'Blasda', which in Gaelic means 'sweet and delicious'. The distillery recommends  that Ardbeggians conduct their own blasachd (tasting) to compare the highly peated Ardbeg 10 Year Old with Blasda. Peated at only 8ppm (parts per million phenol), Blasda unmasks the delicious sweetness of sherbet vanilla, chocolate limes and the floral fragrance that is inherent in all expressions of Ardbeg.

Hamish Torrie, Ardbeg Brand Director, says: 'Here at Ardbeg, we like to serve Blasda as an aperitif. Wherever you are in the world, join us for a Blasda at 8ppm and enjoy the lovely, lip-smacking, lighter side of Ardbeg, comparing it to our famed and very peaty Ardbeg Ten Years Old. It's a limited, experimental release of some very 'light' Ardbeg and will no doubt arouse the curiosity of Islay malt drinkers - and is part of our ongoing 'conversation' (or debate!) with the Ardbeg Committee - our huge and very loyal fan club'.

Blasda is chill-filtered and bottled at 40% alc./vol., where Ardbeg is usually non chill-filtered at a minimum of 46% alc./vol. The packaging of Blasda also departs from tradition adopting a clear glass bottle instead of the usual Ardbeg green.

Tasting note: Light pale gold colour. Mild aromas of lime, salt and vanilla mingle with a distinct, sweet tobacco leaf smokiness. Definitely smokey for a whisky marketed as lightly peated and altogether, a little tequila-like in a Anejo kind of way.  By Ardbeg standards the palate possesses a sense of lightness. Creamy, soft, warming mouthfeel. Gentle spice overlay. Moderately concentrated flavours of nashi pear combine with new leather and tobacco notes. Is it the chill filtering that’s reduced the length and aftertaste to the quickest and most forgettable farewells of any in the Ardbeg universe? Nevertheless, we have always considered this a very food friendly release - try with smoked salmon or drizzle over oysters. 40% Alc./Vol.