Whisky Tasting – A Festival Bottle from Ardbeg
It is now several weeks since Jim spent a week on Islay for the 2012 Islay Whisky and Music Festival, so Jim and Nicola thought it is about time we tasted the Ardbeg Festival Bottle.
Jim is also a member of the Ardbeg Committee and would suggest everyone to become a member and be kept up to date with all things Ardbeg, together with special one off bottling’s that are only offered to Committee members.
Ardbeg Distillery Limited, Isle of Islay, Argyll, Scotland PA42 7EA
Owners, Glenmorangie Co
website www.ardbeg.com
Ardbeg is Gaelic for ‘Small Headland’.
Bottle is now opened let’s have a wee taste.
Ardbeg Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Ardbeg Day, Feis Ile 2012 Bottling, 56.7 Alc/vol 70cl.
The colour…Harvest straw at dusk
Jim’s Tasting
Nose…So much peat, garage forecourt, lovely sweet sherry, dark chocolate covered in liquid vanilla, toffee infused coffee, just opened first aid box, a delight.
Taste…Big hitting peat, sweet double espresso, coal dust from the bunker, dried fruit, getting a sweet creaminess, smoky bacon dipped in sherry.
Finish…Peat soot, still wanting to chew, dark chocolate now gone to milk chocolate, it just goes on and on, a triumph.
Score…4.5 Corks
Nicola’s Tasting
Nose…Mushroom and sweet corn, newly swept out chimney, cinnamon morning pastry.
Taste…Sugary overly sweet coffee, hot and drying, thick treacle toffee and Russian caramels.
Finish…Long and hot with plenty of drying peat smoke.
Score…3.5 Corks
This is an outstanding dram one of Jim’s all time favourites. The Whisky Boys have still got an unopened bottle and would expect that the distillery has sold out, but you may be able to buy a bottle via an on-line Whisky Auction, but this may cost you a bob or two. Check with www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com they may be able to help you.
Every smoky peaty lover of the Islay Malts should try and get a wee sip or two of this, it is one of Ardbeg’s finest.
