Usually with the Islay malts I reckon you just can't beat their standard flagship malts e.g. Laphroaig 10, Lagavulin 16, especially once price is factored in. However for Ardbeg I personally believe its the complete opposite. The 10 is ok the Kelpie I much prefer. I was very interested to see the influence of the virgin black sea oak casks and they don't disappoint. When better to try it than Ardbeg day! Sweet, pepper and peat marry together beautifully. Definitely a 4.5 - unfortunately at $135 USD I just can't round up to a 5. The committee release was only $15 more so I thought why not I'll get one. I signed up to the committee on the spot, turned round to get a bottle and they were all gone...damn! Oh well got a free Ardbeg glass as a consolation...
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
Thanks @Soba45. Mine was the committee release and I've yet to try this lower strength version. Uggi is definitely my go-to drink but I've enjoyed all the special editions other than Perpetuum.
It's quite a different beast to the Uggi. I think Modern Drinking's review of the committee release summed up the Kelpie favour profile quite nicely. Citrus, creamy, pepper. The Uggi as you know is a much richer full on sherried, peaty chocolate/barbecue experience. Value for money the Uggi definately wins. I'd probably say it would depend what mood I'm in as to what I'd prefer on the day.
How does it compare to the Uigeadail? I haven't met any special Ardbeg NAS release that could beat their flagship in value and quality.
I never tried the other two. Dark Cove I did (at $30 USD less a bottle) and I liked that. It's hard to tell exactly how much the oak type itself vs the fact it's first fill cask has contributed to the flavour profile as I haven't experienced either for an Islay Malt and not at all for any whiskey type for the oak itself but it is unique and definitely worth a try
This one sounds better than their previous special releases (perpetuum, aurivedes). That wood sounds unique...wondering if it's a marketing gimmick or if it really made a difference