Jose-Massu-Espinel
Ardbeg 8 Year 'For Discussion' (Committee Release 2021)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
December 9, 2021 (edited July 17, 2022)
Let's discuss it. The Ardbeg 8 year old is one of their newer expressions, and the first or second one if i am not mistaken from Ardbeg's new master distiller, who was a former Lagavulin whisky maker. This whisky labeled "for discussion" is bottled at 50.8%abv and it is a committee release.
On the nose, it starts powerful with a crazy aroma note of "poviden" lotion; then it turns into a chocolate mixed with earthy mud. Creolin, ashtray, coal. After a first sip, the aroma released vanilla ice cream, gooseberries and prunes. There is some bacon note in there too.
On the palate, it is a little simple, but as most Ardbegs, it manages to give you an interesting experience. Vanilla, sulphur, wet grass, salt. It feels like s swamp mixed with a sea wave.
Aftertaste is peaty and very typical from this distillery. Peat, ashtray, bonfire. Salt and a permantent marker. Crazy but nice stuff.
Overall, this felt a little crazier than most Ardbegs, but also lighter. You actually don't feel all the usual powerful roughness from this distillery. If you ask me, it is like an Ardbeg mixed with Lagavulin. A nice whisky that i believe can be even better with more maturation. My score for it is a fair 91/100.
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@dhsilv2 damn it. I just got a bottle of it— was intrigued only because of the lack of marketing. Normally they release things with huge fanfare and stories, which for me is a big turnoff
@PBMichiganWolverine I had 5 people tell me to RUN and that it was awful. In all honesty, I am a fan boy of ardbeg, but over the last 3 years they have just all but ended my desire to ever buy another bottle from them. Other than the 10 of course.
@dhsilv2 did you try this? What was your take on it. I just got a bottle —haven’t tried it yet
91 is a hell of a score for this!
I was especially interested in this one since it came without their usual marketing bullshit