Ardbeg Spectacular Ardbeg Day 2024 Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Following feedback from fans about the overwhelming number of Committee releases, Ardbeg will now be shifting to just one Ardbeg Day bottling, as opposed to the standard Committee and general release. The 2024 edition represents another first for the distillery in that it's matured in port wine casks, then married with bourbon cask matured malt. Complex, bold and beautifully balanced, Spectacular is an Ardbeg Day bottling worth celebrating, opening with sweet aromas of fruit'n'nut dark chocolate tempered by dried herbs, wood smoke and a kick of black pepper, repeated on the medium to full bodied palate. An early oiliness leads into hints of prunes and dried pineapple mingling with salt and sooty peat; the sweet-dry balance is salivating while vanilla, dried herbs, smouldering eucalyptus and the perfect amount of salt and pepper seasoning maintain bite and momentum through the finish. Although not profoundly long, this is Ardbeg boasting depth and richness plus a bit of grunt and attitude, which is by many reports what fans have been missing in a lot of NAS limited editions. The lift in quality is likely due to older material in the mix. Head of Whisky Creation, Bill Lumsden is rumoured to have combined 15 and 13 year old Ardbeg, which makes the asking price feel about right. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Notes from the producers... Nose: Curiously perfumed and aromatic, a big top note of fragrant lavender tumbles into vetiver and incense candles. Down below, deeper notes of leather and wax dance alongside a rich almond nuttiness. A splash of water reveals gentle wisps of woodsmoke and damp peat moss. Hints of menthol hurl headlong into rich antique leather. Taste: A viscous mouthfeel bursts forth to introduce a sparkling array of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. Peat smoke, eucalyptus oil, minty chocolate and toffee mingle with smoked pecans, creosote, and tar. Subtle sweet pear crumble and fudge lurk in the background. Finish: Finally, a long and lingering finale of salted caramel and cooling menthol brings this show stopping spectacle of flavor to a close.