Ardbeg Blaaack

Very enjoyable. Complex and bold. Would recommend. Signature Ardbeg notes

Good, but not worth the premium over Oogie.

A delightful Ardbeg dram. The aromas start with the typical Ardbeg peat with some smoke, but quickly the elegant sweetness of wine cask, that from fortified red wines, comes into presence. The palate is complex with lots of nuts and roasted oak. Some vanilla complements the peat and smoke. Extremely smooth texture and oily too that cover your tongue thoroughly. The finish is roasted nuts and some fruity sweetness. Overall a really nice Ardbeg Feis Ile release that beat most the previous years’ ones.

Lots of red wine on the nose (initially I thought it was cab. sauvignon), dark rich fruits and strawberry jelly on the palate, and a hint of smoke on the finish. Truly a magnificent dram.

The last few years, I don’t really think there’s been an Ardbeg Day release that’s impressed me. The only reason I’ve ever bought those, and generally the Committee Releases only , is more so just because it’s Ardbeg. I’ve always thought Ardbeg had a very enviable problem that it’s regular releases are so good ( 10, Uigi, Corey, and even now the 5), that it’s special ones always had a hard time matching up. Unless you spend high dollars and get the 17 and 19, the core range are always the best. Until this year. This one was probably the best Ardbeg Day release I’ve had. Far beating the last few: Perpetuum, Drum, Kelpie, etc. I wouldn’t say it’s better than the core...it’s just different. It has the sooty Ardbeg peat, but this time mixed with a fruity backbone. Think raspberry and sooty smoke. If you can find it reasonably priced, it’s a must try, especially if you’re an Islay fan. Thanks to @LeeEvolved for the pour!

Had a bit of dram of this beautiful whisky. The nose and palate is classical Adberg, peat, saltiness and a bit of sulfur. But this had some fruity flavor in the background. This addition took this to a higher level. Very good to add to your collection.