Ardbeg Kelpie

This is the 2017 Ardbeg Day release. There is a rumor that whatever virgin black magic black sea cask this Ardbeg was aged in made the whisky “too intense,” so it had to be blended with some Ardbeg Ten. This is what is wrong with the whisky industry currently! Can’t even let the balls hang out a little on a special yearly limited release. Shame. The Kelpie is like an Ardbeg doing a good impression of a Port Charlotte or Octomore. It is so salty, peppery, and savory. It is the most maritime Ardbeg Day that I can remember, but it is also fungal and farmy. The name Kelpie technically refers to a mythological sea demon, but I’m sure the folks at Ardbeg also realize that this shit tastes like sea plants. Brown, briny, slightly sweetened, very umami, seaweed and kelp, washed onto a mushroom farm. I’m sad if there is an uncensored version of this whisky that was not allowed to hit the market (perhaps the committee release is what I dream of? Or is it just an unwatered version of the standard release?)). Even so, this is my favorite Ardbeg Day release since 2013’s Ardbog, including this year’s rather impressive Blaaack. What holds this back is a metallic note that plagues many of today’s Ardbegs and an unfulfilling glimpse into a truly spectacular whisky that Ardbeg, before it needed to worry about a worldwide fandom, would have no problem in seeing through. Score: * (unforgettably good) How much does a bottle cost?: $100-130 if you can still find it at retail. Now up to $200 on secondary. How much do I think a bottle is worth?: $130

Peeted and Smokey...but a glorious sip

Marine is marine, no doubt about it, and in this the kelpie could well represent it. Indeed, considering how deep and thick is the smell, the desire to be dragged into the glass like the Scottish demon does to its victims is well on spot. Cloves, very intense, are propped up on a blanket of acrid and brackish smoke, smoked herring and tar, from which you can discern an apple pie with cream that resists strenuously to this assault, like a victim of the lake demon. Ardbeg do not break even with the wood of the Dead Sea! The peat ocean soup ignites and burns in the mouth, with the smoke here more meaty that thins out leaving more space for the sweet soul of the whisky, caramelized and sugary with a delicate supply of apple. Pepper olives stuffed with licorice, medicinal touch in the background. A contrast that confuses and even stuns, layered and unusual: Ardbeg less Ardbeg than usual but very Ardbeg. Clear, isn't it? The finish is long, very, of ash and algae, dried fish and caramel, pepper. I have to sya that they the name they chose is just perfect. It is not a balanced but certainly complex whisky, enthralling and fun, with moments of sincere bewilderment. An experiential drink, like not many others can give you.

I sat down to do a re-review of this Ardbeg that I tasted over 2 years ago, hoping that I would find something new, something previously undiscovered. The previous review was from a sample, this was not a bottle that has been open 2+ years. But no, it’s the same amazingness as before. The nose is incredible and unique for an Ardbeg in that the sweetness carries it almost as much as the smoke does. The palate, while not too complex is very satisfying. I will say that I did get a bit of a rubbery note this time that I did not get before, not that that’s a bad thing. Still amazing, still a 4.5 For further details, see my published works on this subject...just look up my last review lol. Cheers.

Taste like fish

Drammers Club Pour. Great stuff with notes of Chocolate, Mango, Dried Fruit, Raisins, Vanilla, Caramel, Toffee, Treacle, Smoke, Citrus, Cherry, Orange, Black Pepper, Salmon, and a creamy mouthfeel