PBMichiganWolverine
Ardbeg BizarreBQ
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
June 16, 2023 (edited October 19, 2023)
Finally, a special release Ardbeg that’s actually good, and not just a money grab scheme backed by hype and marketing bullshit.
I had a small pour last week at the hotel I was staying in London, but soon after I picked up a bottle for £65. That is not bad for a special release Ardbeg.
Nose is ash, dark chocolate, strawberries.
Palette to me is where it shines…sticky, smoky, sweet. Milk chocolate, ashy wood, berries, and meaty.
If you find this anywhere around USD 75-90, buy. You’ll appreciate it especially if you’re a fan of Uigi. Between Uigi and this, I’d give this an edge.
It’s funny how the two unheralded Ardbegs this year were really good…the SmokeTrails ( about £75) and this one. Lesson to take away…when Ardbeg makes 0 to minimal effort in marketing bullshit, buy. If they make a huge bullshit effort, stay away.
65.0
GBP
per
Bottle
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@shatteredarm have you tried Smoke Trails, the Ardbeg travel release? Surprisingly good as well, and only £65.
Saw this for under $100 and did a double take. And it's honestly better than the last few Ardbeg Day releases I've had.
@soonershrink yeah, I think it’s just a matter of preference. But, I’d not pay more than what we the Oogie price is…I’ve seen this for around $200 here. That’s a hard pass.
Agree, this is really enjoyable whisky. Seems like the PX casks show up in a big way with the jammy fruit, and the “barbecue” casks giving more smoke than brine or the medicinal peat flavors. Was thinking I’d have Oogie slightly ahead still, but it’s been a bit since I’ve had it.