Ardbeg 8 Year 'For Discussion' (Committee Release 2021)
Single Malt
Ardbeg // Islay, Scotland
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Contendo
Reviewed December 26, 2022 (edited July 5, 2023)Nose: Smoky, Bacon, salt Palate: salty, savoury, fire and coals Finish: Very long fire -
Scott_E
Reviewed September 25, 2022 (edited November 29, 2022)When you hear the name “Ardbeg” you know what you typically call in for: peat, pepper, brine and sweetness (summarily). The palate, like a Pavlovian response, begins to salivate and begins to ready the dynamics. I am now ready for this eight year treat. What you would expect on the nose would be a dominant smoke/peat, heavily phenolic aroma. The phenols are present but dialed back. Sooty coal, dark chocolate, with a mix of lemon oil, black pepper, confectionery sugar. Maritime brine and sherry notes, that contribute figs and dates, hover and surround the other notes. Slightly dominant ethanol which interfere with the other notes. For a 50.8% abv, there is no bite, pins and needles, or numbness. The depth and breadth of flavor is small and narrow. Coal tar lays the base. Lemon peel, earthy leather. A subtle vanilla sweetness keeps the earthiness in bounds. What remains is cigar ash, black licorice, dark chocolate and did I say cigar ash? Which rides out for an eternity. I think the descriptions above summarize the pour. Mainly, the lack of range which surprises me. The Cory, Ugi and even the 10 are explosive, dynamic and broad. This one leaves me wanting more because I wasn’t provided more. It’s decent in general. But a passable pour. It posses nothing to make it stand out or differentiate itself. Stick with the Ardbeg core and you won’t be disappointed. Thanks @PBMichiganWolverine for the sample. [85/100][Tasted: 9/24/22] -
Jose-Massu-Espinel
Reviewed December 9, 2021 (edited July 17, 2022)Let's discuss it. The Ardbeg 8 year old is one of their newer expressions, and the first or second one if i am not mistaken from Ardbeg's new master distiller, who was a former Lagavulin whisky maker. This whisky labeled "for discussion" is bottled at 50.8%abv and it is a committee release. On the nose, it starts powerful with a crazy aroma note of "poviden" lotion; then it turns into a chocolate mixed with earthy mud. Creolin, ashtray, coal. After a first sip, the aroma released vanilla ice cream, gooseberries and prunes. There is some bacon note in there too. On the palate, it is a little simple, but as most Ardbegs, it manages to give you an interesting experience. Vanilla, sulphur, wet grass, salt. It feels like s swamp mixed with a sea wave. Aftertaste is peaty and very typical from this distillery. Peat, ashtray, bonfire. Salt and a permantent marker. Crazy but nice stuff. Overall, this felt a little crazier than most Ardbegs, but also lighter. You actually don't feel all the usual powerful roughness from this distillery. If you ask me, it is like an Ardbeg mixed with Lagavulin. A nice whisky that i believe can be even better with more maturation. My score for it is a fair 91/100.
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