Richard-ModernDrinking
Ardbeg Hypernova
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
November 16, 2022 (edited May 22, 2023)
In prefixing the syllable “hype” to its third special edition of the year, Ardbeg risks suggesting it is thumbing its nose at anyone who dares question the velocity of its release schedule. At face value this is an evolution of its long established and loved Supernova series but the long-term Ardbeg follower could be forgiving for questioning whether it will shoot to the same stellar heights.
A healthy pour at the New York launch event yields good news. The nose is a cool and minty peat, with lime, chocolate and a touch of heather. It’s sweet, citrusy and tangy in the mouth, like a chocolate lime candy. The finish is long, smokey, sweet and a little bitter — the image of licking a smoked fish came to mind. It's certainly peatier than the Ardbeg 10 but not as off-the-charts as the most extreme Octomores. All in all, it’s a decent dram and I’d gladly add a bottle to the home bar were the price more reasonable.
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@Joseph27cohen I don’t mind paying $200+ for a bottle—but I’ve been burned by Ardbeg’s “special “ releases way too many times. It’s been subpar, overpriced , full of marketing gimmicks.
@PBMichiganWolverine i agree 100% with you, its really good but really not worth $225, better get 5 bottles of Kirkland Islay Single Malt lol, great peat one btw
@Joseph27cohen thanks so much Joseph—-i see it here in NJ for about $299. It’s NAS, sketchy Ardbeg special release history, and combined with marketing gimmicks make me apprehensive for anything over $150
@PBMichiganWolverine if you are in the area of Miami, Total Wine & More have it in stock for $225
@Richard-ModernDrinking at that price, I’d be a buyer. The cheapest I’m seeing is $300…hell no at that price
It's hard for me to admit that i"m just done with ardbeg. They've killed their brand for me.
@PBMichiganWolverine Cheapest I see is $160
Dare I ask…what’s the price on this? I stopped buying Ardbeg “limited” releases
Sounds like a Cory contender, so I’m in I’d I can find one