Richard-ModernDrinking
Ardbeg Fermutation
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
February 10, 2022 (edited October 5, 2022)
This release is the result of a crazy incident in which the whisky market accidentally overheated and someone at Ardbeg turned the price dial up to 11 by mistake. This means the wee sample in my possession is probably the extent of my embrace of the latest Ardbeg one-off, so let’s put aside the price controversy and try to enjoy the moment.
Lemon, salt, pineapple and cream combine on the nose to remind me of the classic teatime Lemon Puff biscuits. The overall effect is quite breezy, with lots of space between the flavors and plenty of volume to the individual notes. There’s a needle sharp prick of peat and some malty notes in the background. It’s classic 10-year-old Ardbeg territory more than anything far off the usual path, slightly reminiscent of Auriverdes if my memory serves me right.
In the mouth, the spirit is crisp and citrusy at first, before it turns tangy and sour like a gooseberry or goldenberry. Those sour notes linger pleasantly for a while on the finish. There’s not much peat or smoke to speak of, but the ABV carries the flavors perfectly. We can debate the price in the comments, but that aside it’s a worthy addition to the spectrum of Ardbeg flavor profiles and I’d be quite happy to own a bottle.
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
I live in bourbon country so this stuff sits on the shelves for a while. I can still get Arrrrrrdbeg and Scorch committee releases at retail. Ferm just hit ($199) and I was debating about it. Sour doesn’t sound great but the original Compass Box No Name hit me with some orange right out of the gate that was amazing. $200 is the territory where it should be a no brainer monster bottle so I’m hesitant based on the love/hate going on with these reviews!
@ctbeck11 I should have picked something with more sulphur
@ctbeck11 😂 😂
Happy review #666! 👹
@PBMichiganWolverine Didn’t want to rush it
@Richard-ModernDrinking funny—-couldn’t wait till the Sunday tasting ? Me too…will have mine tonight or tomorrow
@angstrom I liked that too 🤣
Clever intro.