The Ardbeg Ardbog release was so named to celebrate the bogs around the distillery that provide Ardbeg (and the other Islay distilleries) with the peat that gives their whiskies the distinctive smoky flavours. It was matured for 10 years in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and ex-Manzanilla sherry butts, and was bottled at the cask strength of 52.1% ABV.
The recommended retail price was £79.99 on release, but as with all previous such Ardbeg releases it sold out very quickly. A few are still available on auction sites, but at much increased prices.
Our tasting notes
The colour is a bright golden yellow with a hint of amber and the nose is vibrant and full of freshness. There are immediate of fudge, butterscotch and a undeniable blast of earthy peat smoke. Underneath are further aromas of honey, vanilla, shortbread, candied lemons, damp moss and brine with hints of citrus zest, peppermint and red chilli. The peat smoke seems to become more rubbery with time.
On the palate the chilli heat instantly hits, as does the acrid and slightly rubbery peat smoke. These feisty notes begin to subside almost immediately allow others through. The sugary sweet elements from the nose are again present (think of crumbly fudge and butterscotch), although the distinctive salty note that is also present combines to remind us of salted caramel. Underneath are notes of vanilla, honey, dried green apple, oatcakes and sultanas. With time the smoke becomes a bit more sooty and the lemony and minty notes come through again. It is very easy to drink despite the high ABV strength. The addition of the water knocks back the smoke and heat significantly and makes it more creamy. The vanilla, fudge and apple notes come to the fore especially.
The finish is long and brooding with the sooty peat smoke lingering for a significant time. The sweet and fruity notes slowly fade to leave a drying smoky saltiness in the mouth. It is a delicious whisky that combines all the elements well and one that shows what can be achieved with careful experimentation and use of less orthodox casks for maturation.
