Ardbeg Corryvreckan Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - Older Bottling

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

A replacement for the discontinued Airigh Nam Beist, 'Cauldron of the speckled sea' (aka Corryvreckan) is a whirlpool located between the Isles of Islay and Jura, and now the name of a whisky. It's base is Ardbeg 10 combined with spirit exclusively matured in French Limousin Virgin oak. We tasted an early batch back in 2011. Dull gold colour with a pale straw hue, it presents an unusual nose for an Ardbeg: Rich chocolate, vanilla, lemon butter and spice above a smoky salty layer, the only evidence that it's Ardbeg is the end note of terracotta/clay/wet charcoal. With time in the glass, fresh smoky characteristics emerge, but do not dominate. The intense palate is initially rich and creamy, quite heavily peated, rich chocolatey flavours mingle harmoniously with the lemon butter before the unusually overt oak grips dry and the peat explodes - softly! The back palate is dry, firm, overtly oaky, and extremely spicy. Excellent balance at cask strength. Warm, tingly, spicy finish. Lemon, dry cocoa, strong spice and gentle smoke dominate the lengthy aftertaste. Unusually dry for Ardbeg, otherwise an utterly brilliant, unique expression of Islay. 57.1% Alc./Vol.