This is the final extra sample for our third round of scotch samples and I offered this one up because the regular Kelpie was offered by another member of our group. I thought it would make for an interesting side by side comparison- and it did. I reviewed the regular Kelpie a couple weeks back and found it to be an outstanding whisky. This Committee Edition is also spectacular, I just don’t think it warranted a “special-er” special release. The CE comes in closer to cask strength at 51.7% (versus the regular at 46%), is also light, glittery gold in color and forms thicker, quicker legs in the Glencairn. The overall profiles are very similar, as you’d expect, but I don’t think the extra ABV turns it into a better whisky. The nose is heavily smoked with hints of tropical fruits and a masked saltiness. The oak barrel seems a bit more lively, but I think that’s also a result of the higher alcohol level. The ABV burn usually translates to more barrel notes for me. Sometimes it’s a good thing, when it’s needed to mute sweeter drams, but it’s a hindrance in peated malts IMO. I want more smoke, especially on the nose. The palate hits hard. There’s a smoking asphalt flavor that caught me by surprise before releasing into the typical bonfire, charred oak. The citrus and tropical fruit calm it before it transforms mid sip into a delicious, bitter chocolate. It smoothes the rough edges and calms the heat quite well. The finish is long and slowly drying on the tongue. A restrained exhale forces you to deal with the peppery oak and residual smoke. I almost fooled myself into thinking I actually saw smoke exiting my mouth. It’s so present for the entire sample you could easily be fooled into thinking you’re smoking, lol. Overall, I think I preferred the regular Kelpie for reasons I probably can’t even justify haha. Ok, price point is why. The CE was $200 vs the $109 regular. Good enough for me. Both are excellent examples from Ardbeg, worthy of 5 stars, too. Great whiskies. Try one or both because you can’t go wrong either way. Cheers.