Ardbeg Scorch

I have a bone the size of T-Rex’s thigh to pick with Ardbeg. I had formally written them off for their special releases because all were quite overpriced and no better than the core range. Their entire special release business model is based on ridiculous names and over the top designs, with little to show for it but elevated prices. This one is no different. It’s a 10 yr old with a bit more smoke. Save your money and buy the 10, Uigi, or Corry. This is just not worth the super premium. Taste like the 10…just a wee stronger

Ardbeg Scorch opens with a hint of brine that fades into a palate dominated by cinnamon and vanilla notes, alongside anise and a touch of heather honey. Every so often, I catch a faint but enjoyable indication of mint. Smoke is readily apparent right up front and lingers throughout a very pleasant finish alongside the vanilla. Not the meatiest or briniest Ardbeg out there, but a very enjoyable dram that any Islay lover is sure to enjoy.

This is the best offering since Kelpie or Dark Cove. Since Ardbeg has switched from their briny offerings to sweet profiles the Fest of Islay limited editions have been very good especially for NAS whisky. The briny ones were good though too. This one even though it's not on the brine side this is the best one yet IMO. Not sure if this is Mickey Heads going out on a high note or the new guard showing what great things they can do but this one is a winner. Nose make no mistake it's Ardbeg smoke is 1st. Then an almost Laphroaig medicinal note that is immediately replaced by ripe strawberries and raspberries. Then heavy syrup like malt notes appear and hiding way in the back is the citrus zest that is in every Ardbeg. Palate is sweet smoke, the sweet berry fruit notes along with a light peach note. Then the vanilla bean and vanilla cream show up big time a result of those wood sugars via heavy char barrels. Finally your left with some light wood and sweet smoke notes. Finish is a creeping pepper note with the sweet smoke and wood with some lingering vanilla sweetness and a mint after taste. Water actually kills the berries, sweetness and turns down the smoke on the nose. The medicinal note is much bigger becoming Campbeltown industrial in nature, the malt is more noticed and an alcohol note appears in lack of anything else. Palate with water keeps the sweetness but like a sweet tart candy and the vanilla cream stays because of the oils. The pepper note is ramped up with water and the mint notes are there in the end of the palate and stays with the wood and pepper through the finish. As is; was sweeter and had more depth with water makes it harsher and more a sweet Campbeltown. Think Kilkarren mixed with Tobermory and then just drink it neat.

Undeniably Ardbeg, though it is noticeably thinner and subdued compared to the committee release side-by-side. Star anise and fennel with loads of vanilla. Slight bay leaf on the palate, a wee bit of salt, but mostly, it’s almost a vanilla bomb if not for the intense char, cinnamon, and heather that push to the surface. Still thick and oily, despite being taken down to 46%. But, to be honest, I’m just disappointed when I compare it with the committee

Delicious with a nice kick at the end