Ardbeg Scorch limited edition Vol.46% CL.70

2021 release of the annual limited edition of Ardbeg, as in previous years the distillery experiments with different refinements and barrels, this year there is even a dragon!

The Scorch is aged in what they called Dragon Casks, or heavily charred ex-bourbon barrels, in honor of the dragon that would hide in warehouse (or rather, in dunnage) number 3, hence the theme of the package.

First Committee Release under the new Distillery Manager, Colin Gordon, obviously did not fail to raise the usual controversies about Ardbeg limited editions that seem to be born to titillate not so much collectors as speculators.

On Islay for many years the Ileaches (the inhabitants of the island) have passed down stories and legends about a dragon that haunted the island and was eventually defeated by a heroic warrior.

Ardbeg wanted to pay homage to this legend by presenting a whiskey with a clear Ardbeg imprint but with the addition of aging done with the use of heavily charred barrels, aged in the distillery's legendary dunnage 3.

Ardbeg Scorch is a heavily peated single malt Scotch whiskey, with no definition of age, aged only in heavily charred ex-bourbon barrels before being bottled at a classic 46% vol.

Rich and heavy with intoxicating aromas, the nose is peaty, spicy with notes of cedar and fresh pine needles, earth and grains, it almost seems to smell the Scottish moor.

Whiskey Ardbeg Scorch with water increases the smell of oak, vanilla, and you will discover smells of currants and coffee beans.

On the palate Ardbeg Scorch whiskey is full and rich, the flavor is an intriguing balance between sweet, spicy and smoky.

The finish is long and persistent rich in aromatic smoke, raisins and coffee.

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Dark amber

Smell: Extremely smoky, index of high peaking. It combines nicely with a note of dried and toasted fruit, hazelnuts and cereals.

To top it all off, the typical brackish aroma of Ardbegs.

Definitely very complex.

Palate: Rich and full but with a majestic balance of sensations ranging from sweet to smoky, passing through salty.