Ardbeg Corryvreckan

Creamy, Carmela and smoke. One of the best!

UPDATED REVIEW 21 March 2018. Having spent the last two weeks brooding over a new bottle of Corryvrecken I’ve decided to reduce my rating. However don't take that as a damning comment - I'm only talking about a reduction from "excellent" status to "very good". Nose: The fearsome boldness has diminished and the central peaty quality has lost its oiliness and is now more of a dry and sooty smoke. There’s still vanilla, a touch of light fruitiness and some citrus – but it feels less commanding and rich. Palate: There is still smoke and preserved lemons, but the oily quality and subtle resinous flavours are reduced. The mouthfeel is still very good but it is less intense. Finish: Long. Still a protracted waxy, resinous fade, but softer and thinner - more like cold ashes with peppery spice. "Very Good" : 85/100 (4 stars) ORGINAL REVIEW: Nose: Thick smokiness that is hard to penetrate, woody and strong peaty notes underneath. A certain crisp citrus note emerges after a while, together with brine and something astringent – like the smell of heavily brined green olives. Palate: Smoky, oily, peaty arrival. In the development, preserved salt lemons, vanilla, tar, cedarwood, liquorice, fennel pickled onions and pine resin. Strong alcohol burn, even with water. The texture is full and oily, but cut with brine. Finish: Long with some waxy/plastic peat which stays forever (honestly, don't even think of trying to taste anything else for a while after this). Initially there’s a salty sourness in the finish but the lasting memory is of sweet smoke. I'd strongly recommend adding just a drop or two of water before nosing, and then a dash more before tasting. This is a very assertive dram and neat it is so overwhelming you can't appreciate its subtle notes, which are definitely there to enjoy. I'd also recommend taking time over it, even though I suspect it contains a fair bit of relatively young whisky. Allowing it to develop in the glass brings out sweetness and tames the sharp resinous edge of the peat. Try it neat if you like that sort of smack in the face, but I don't think you can really get the best out of this whisky without water. Do take care, however, because it is surprisingly easy to drown. "Excellent" : 88/100 (4.5 stars)