Clarkebar
Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
September 4, 2018 (edited December 6, 2020)
Bear with me and let me state straight-away that I am a recent convert to this wonderful world of whisky. And am even more of a novice to the delights of Scotch, let alone Islay creations. In that regard, I started with a trio of Islay standards with Lagavulin Distiller's Edition, Ardbeg Corryvreckan and a short time later, Laphroaig 10Yr. Am now on my 2nd bottle of Corryvreckan since July due to an extended, nearly half-bottle tasting episode with a lady neighbor. I tell ya that woman can drink! Let me also declare, before God and Man, that the Lagavulin DE and Ardbeg Corryvreckan, being my first exposures to Islay whisky, was surely an act of Divine Providence. Both whiskys are $100 here in Gettysburg PA, although I have sourced the second Ardbeg bottle from an online store for a good bit less, even with shipping. It is difficult for me to imagine what better way to immerse oneself in the peated, Islay Scotch than with the start I made. I still consider the Lagavulin DE my personal fave, but it is hard to measure any real distance between these two fine whiskys, both being top notch and yet not special order. The whirlpool of goodness that is Corryvreckan surely marks a milestone in whisky making for lovers of Scotch. I will be drinking this one for as long as they make it. For what it's worth, from a relative novice - Highly recommended.
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@Moy_the_Boy - I wouldn't hesitate for a second if you want to spend the money. I understand the Uigeadail is also a stunner for a little less, at least here in Gettysburg. The new An Oa gives perhaps an 85% Corryvreckan experience for considerably less. Don't forget the Talisker DE for a good bit less as well. This kind of taste profile is magical.
@Moy_the_Boy - I haven't tasted any standard Talisker as the DE was my first with the label. But I would put it right up there with the Lag DE and Corryvreckan in terms of similarity of tasting experience. The Lag De is my standard for all things Islay but you know it is really hard to go wrong with anything Islay. I have nothing against the mainland offerings but IMHO Islay must be the Mecca for Scotch lovers everywhere.
@Clarkebar I was just looking up Takisker DE yesterday evening - what a coincidence. How does it compare to the standard Talisker, Ardbeg and other islays?
Hi there - I am a big fan of the Lagavulin DE - probably my favorite. I want to buy my first Ardbeg - do you think this is worth a buy over the Ardbegs? Thanks
Thanks to all for the comments. As for starting relatively high, I'm 65, retired and have no time for exhaustive experimentation :-) Anyways, that's what this place is for, to help with the Whisky garden weeding. Not that I'm strictly a price guy, mind. I love the Jim Beam Distiller's Cut at $25, so there'll be no snobbery here.
@Clarkebar Welcome to the rabbit hole :-) All whiskies are created equal, but some are more equal than others. The three Islays you've mentioned are more equal than most. Well done.
So much for starting slowly and working your way to the top, but why the hell not. Like @Generously_Paul said- you’re going to find a lot of disappointing Islay malts if you measure them against this one. Great review, though and on with the journey. Cheers.
My favorite Ardbeg so far and one of my all time top favorite whiskies. Many Islay’s will fall short if this is the dram by which you measure them, but few will truly disappoint. Cheers
@Clarkebar - you’ve made a great decision to start at the top. It will save you time and money; however, it won’t help with the neighbors. :)