Ardbeg Kelpie
Peated Single Malt
Ardbeg // Islay, Scotland
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Cost
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.
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ageNAS
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abv46.0
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Peated Single Malt100% malted barley from a single distillery. Dried with peat.
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Cask TypeBlack Sea Oak and ex-bourbon
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."
Reviewed by
Thijs Klaverstijn