Ardbeg Kelpie (2017 Committee Release)

Peated Single Malt

Ardbeg // Islay, Scotland

RARE

  • Cost

  • Distiller Score

    90

  • Avg. Rating

    4.4
    4 out of 5 stars
    ( 66 )

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. It is bottled at 51.7% ABV, which is nearly cask-strength. The rest will reveal itself in due time. Ardbeg Kelpie is a limited edition whisky slated for release on the 16th of March 2017 for Ardbeg committee fan group members only. (Note: A 46% ABV bottling of this whisky will be available on Ardbeg Day 2017 during Islay Fest and then made available for wider release shortly after.)

  • age
    NAS
  • abv
    51.7
  • Peated Single Malt
    100% malted barley from a single distillery. Dried with peat.
  • Cask Type
    virgin Adyghe Republic oak casks

Tasting Notes

"Seashell and iodine lead on the nose, backed by toffee and fudge, along with plenty of salt and sea. There's also broiled meat, stewed fruits, and seaweed. On the palate, phenols are very much in the asphalt, tar, and rubber tire arena, with bitter dark chocolate appearing later. The finish is long and smooth, with that rich fudge sweetness returning, along with smoke and sprinkles of black pepper and brine."

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