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Ardbeg Kelpie

Single Malt

Ardbeg // Islay, Scotland

  • Details
  • 205 Reviews

community rating

4.24
4.24 out of 5 stars
( Total review count: 205 )

This expression from the legendary Dr. Bill Lumsden is shrouded in mystery much like the Scottish water spirit (pun intended) it's named after, the shape-shifting kelpie, which Robert Burns once wrote about in his poems.

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So far, we know that "virgin oak casks sourced from the Adyghe Republic, on the coast of the Black Sea region" were used in the maturation process of this no-age-statement whisky. The whisky aged in the Black Sea oak is then married with signature Ardbeg aged in ex-bourbon barrels.

This expression from the legendary Dr. Bill Lumsden is shrouded in mystery much like the Scottish water spirit (pun intended) it's named after, the shape-shifting kelpie, which Robert Burns once wrote about in his poems. So far, we know that "virgin oak casks sourced from the Adyghe Republic, on the coast of the Black Sea region" were used in the maturation process of this no-age-statement whisky. The whisky aged in the Black Sea oak is then married with signature Ardbeg aged in ex-bourbon barrels. Bottled at 46% ABV, this was launched on Ardbeg Day during Islay Fest 2017.

    • age
      NAS
    • Cost
    • abv
      46.0
  • Single Malt
    Distilled in pot stills from 100% malted barley, produced at one distillery, aged in barrels; if Scotch or Irish, must be aged for at least three years.
  • Cask Type
    Black Sea Oak and ex-bourbon
  • About TruePrice™
    Our proprietary TruePrice™ aggregates our reviewers' pricing reports and filters outliers to provide a more accurate average price.

Tasting Notes

"A noticeable bonfire smokiness, accompanied by iodine and seaweed. But sweetness is the prevailing characteristic on the nose, with tinned pineapple and stewed apples. The palate is polished, with salted peanuts, plenty of brine and a hint of dark chocolate and vanilla. A sliver of sweetness shines through. The finish lingers on peat, rubber, and pepper."
Added by Thijs Klaverstijn
Score 86
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Flavor Profile

Smoky & Salty

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