Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Committee Release Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Ardbeg's latest Committee Release comes with a curious title that's due to a production modification. Head of Whisky Creation, Bill Lumsden removed the purifier, which typically catches the heaviest vapours from the distillation process. The resulting whisky is "all peat". In fact, Ardbeg says that it's their most full-blown expression ever with an intensity of flavour that's unmatched. Dramface.com add: "According to an interview Lumsden participated in for WhiskyCast, the experiment which gave birth to this year’s release was conducted 12 years ago. Even allowing for time of year and the time taken to dump casks, blend, package and distribute, it’s safe to assume this bottling is at least 11 years old, given that Lumsden claims the experiment was only ever conducted in one batch." Normally exclusively available to Ardbeg Committee members, we've just received our allocation. As opposed to the general release lower proof bottling, this edition lands at 50.2% Alc./Vol. Ardbeg completionists and collectors will be keen to get their hands on one of each. Non chill filtered.

Notes from the producers... AROMA: Intense, pungent & aromatic, with a distinctive farmyard aroma, along with a crunchy aroma, like creosote or tarry rope. The smoke is all dominating, but has a slightly sweet edge to it, almost like dark chocolate. A splash of water opens the bouquet, with some dark chocolate cream, and a hint of smoked artichoke. TASTE: The mouthfeel is spicy/warming, with an initial burst of bittersweet flavours –coal dust, cardamon, peppermint, eucalyptus, and more dark chocolate with some coffee grits. In the background there are some old-fashioned boiled sweets, like aniseed twists, cinnamon balls, and antiseptic lozenges. FINISH: The aftertaste lingers long and bold with an ongoing, almost anaesthetising sensation.