Ardbeg Grooves

Peat and love! I have read so many things about this whisky, mostly mixed reviews, that actually made me a little skeptic on even trying it. Ardbeg Grooves was the Ardbeg Day Release for 2018, and its name comes from actual grooves that are formed while charring oak barrels, in this particular case, heavily charring ex-red wine casks, where this dram was finished. We have heard the word "Grooves" or "Groovy" but a few of us really know what it means. It actually is a slang for "enjoying something deeply; something cool or excelent". That term was very popular during the 60s and the 70s, so, put a nice heavily bass song in the background, because we are tasting this beauty. Bottled at 46%abv, tawny color (which is not an Ardbeg standard). On the nose, it is quite amazing and super complex. Nice peat, Cotton socks And Gooseberries. Black pepper, Lemon and other Citric aromas everywhere. Wasabi, Chilli and really lots of cinnamon. Red fruits, Strawberries. Prety complex and changing. Cotton candy. After 4 minutes it became super winey. After a second sip It has become a red fruits - cinnamon perfume; it has that texture. Cloth softener. Stinging. Grapefruits; The peat is minty, and fresh. On the palate it is not complex at all, and feels more like a transition between an outsanding nose, and a great aftertaste. It has a vanilla kickstart that lasts 1 microsecond. Sweet Red fruits, mixed with Pepper and chilli. Very spicy; gooseberries. Aftertaste is delicious and rewarding. Smokey and Spicy; it has the perfect amout of salt. Not scorching, but definitively firey in a pleasant way. Not overly complex but just a great peaty finish. Herbal, medicinal. Overall, i was mistaken to ever doubt buying this. It is a delicious, suoer enjoyable Ardbeg; maybe the most easy drinkable dram from this distillery, without losing its character and distinctive profile. I might put some jazz tonight before going to sleep, just to enhance my experience with this whisky. My score for it is a well deserved 92 over 100.

Another special birthday shot. My wife isn’t a big fan of peat so I’m unlikely to buy a whole bottle. It went beautifully with my lamb. Nose - smoke and iodine of course, oiled leather, briney sea air, some dried apricot, and a bit of brown butter caramel Palette - oily and rich, strong dark smoke at first, the salted caramel starts to show up, some strong spice as well Finish - lingering smoke with spice and mild sweetness, medium burn, slightly dry at the very end