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Ardbeg Kelpie (2017 Committee Release)
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
July 19, 2017 (edited October 21, 2024)
Ooh yes. I drove quite a ways to pick up this "puppy". This has got to be the most complex dram I've ever had.
Nose! I smell that peat and smoke - oh my... The sea is well with me here.. The brine... I got the TCP/Iodine in a good way, subtle... Fruit notes are there too!
Another nose! I do get some dark chocolate notes back there... Palate time after about 5-10 min... At 51.7% neat, surprisingly doesn't burn as I thought... Definitely has a nice ham/bacon note with that salty brine. Wow... I can't believe how good it is neat, but I think it might need just a couple small drops to open even more...
After a couple drops - nose has some toffee/butterscotch/vanilla in there, thankfully the peat and smoke remain too. Maybe some almond/marzipan too. You can tell it's young/immature a little, but it doesn't stop it from being extremely complex. It has that trademark Ardbeg finish - this one is medium/long with peat smoke brine and believe it or not, homemade fudge. It's a keeper, but I like all Ardbeg's except the flat 10 because I am not a fan of the lemon-lime taste.
Finally, there is some smoked fish in the palate/finish as well. Phew, quite a busy dram.
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Literally but for a minute and I'd be the proud owner of one of these.......oh well the standard edition was also a great drop
Hi Pranay - I'd say that what makes the CR so much better this that YOU are in control of your own dilution. If that's made a big enough difference in your path, then I'd say go for it. But if you 99% like things always neat, then I'd pass.
Is the difference between standard and Committee just ABV? I thought the standard Kelpie was good, but nothing spectacular. Wondering how a few more ABV percentages takes it from good to stellar.
Sounds fantastic. Great review
True, same goes for the Airigh Nam Beist, which I hear could be the best offering from Ardbeg ever, but I haven't found it. I'd love to be the judge though. :D
I've been eyeing the Supernova myself. Retail prices on that one are ridiculous, but that's to be expected on such a good whisky that was also released some time ago.
Thanks Lee! I'd be more than surprised if you were disappointed. I am hoping to try the old Supernova and Airigh Nam Beist at some point.
Great review. I just ordered a bottle based on your review and recommendation.