Ardbeg Dolce

 

 

 

47,8°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay

American Oak Ex-Bourbon and Sicilian Marsala Wine Casks 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

And here is the annual Ardbeg Day release, which we’ve been enjoying every year for the past fifteen years now, during the Feis Ile, the festival held on the island of Islay, when the distillery opens its doors to a wide audience. To be honest, the last release in the series that I liked was the Scorch, which came out five years ago now. This one has been partly matured in Marsala casks, a sweet Sicilian wine. That’s all we know, in fact, there’s no information on the age or the number of bottles. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Heavy smokiness combined with lemon, candied apricots, white raisins, freshly squeezed oranges, crushed grapefruit and sliced lime. Aniseed biscuits, pine needles, slightly rough mineral notes. Salty limestone, mirabelle plums. On the palate, cinnamon, fresh pineapple, candied lemon, Prosciutto di Parma, dates and dried figs. Nuts, intense spices, a pinch of sea salt. A long, biscuit-like finish with charcoal and liquorice, cigar ash, young bark, dried tobacco, engine oil, caramel and shea butter. 

 

In Short, 

I don’t think it’s bad, but you’ve got to like citrus. It certainly has the merit of being original, and I really did enjoy the finish. It’s a summery Ardbeg, very fresh and approachable, where the smoke is almost sweet. It’s similar to the Drum, but I preferred the Dolce. It’s not on a par with my favourite Ardbeg Day releases, the Dark Cove, the Ardbog, the Scorch, the Auriverdes, the Blaaack, or even the Kelpie, but it’s not far behind the latter. I wouldn’t go so far as to recommend buying it, I prefer the Ten, which is much cheaper. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Kittridge - Root Rot

Ardbeg 2000 Y2K Series 25 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay 

Bourbon Casks and Spanish Tempranillo Red Wine Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered

Peated around 54 ppm 

 

 

 

The Y2K Series is apparently something you don't want to miss. It consists of three bottlings distilled in the same year, 2000. The first is 23 years old and was finished in Oloroso sherry casks, the second is 24 years old and was finished in Amontillado sherry casks. And this one, the third and final release in the series, was finished in Spanish red wine casks from the Tempranillo region, specifically from the Numanthia bodego, which is also owned by LVMH. It’s a Toro wine appellation, made from small, thick-skinned red grapes that are rich in color and high in tannins. It’s unclear how long the finishing process lasted or how many bottles are being released, information I would have liked to know if I’d planned to buy one. Come to think of it, it’s odd that nowhere does it specify whether it’s colored or not. Normally, Ardbeg is never colored, but in this case, the doubt remains. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Rich and dense black grapes, black tulip, great depth of peat with plenty of soot, smoky blackberries, redcurrant seeds, drops of honey, candied rhubarb, lingering caramel, liquorice, shoe polish. Balsamic vinegar, coffee grounds. On the palate, it is warm, argan oil, the oak offers a lovely development, dark chocolate, pomegranate, tannins, rich earth, charcoal-laden barbecue grease, pronounced spices, cloves, black pepper. A very long, very whirling finish, not very violent, chocolate pralines, black berries, wood soaked in fuel oil, capers, diesel. Mustard seeds, dragon fruit.

 

In Short, 

It’s truly original and captivating, with great depth and complexity. You’re immersed in red berries, in a thick, almost viscous liquid, and in the powerful characteristics of the Ardbeg profile. It’s a real treat. That said, it’s completely overpriced, twice as expensive as it should be, in my humble opinion. Wait until you find it at auction.

Score : 90+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                                       This Eternal Decay - Red Orchid   

Ardbeg 2013 Single Cask Exclusive to France 10 yo

 

 

 

57,6°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay 

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

Sometimes, we’re glad to be French. Like those moments when we get the chance to taste this Single Cask, crafted at one of the world’s peatiest distilleries, 10 years old, first-fill bourbon barrel, cask strength, and only 243 bottles, exclusively for us, the little Frenchies. This cask, numbered 7195, is reserved for the Caves Ambassades Ardbeg in France. Foreigners can drink it, of course, but you have to come to France to buy it. Or find it at auction. Wouldn't you say we're lucky?  

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Mellow citrus, with a medicinal touch and floral honey. A crystalline, menthol-like fullness, lemon zest, tropical fruits, a slice of smoky pineapple, peat that seems light and slightly dry, papaya, earthy dust, and a few splashes of sea spray. On the palate, slivered almonds, woody honey, candied bananas, creamy vanilla, a trace of coconut, fairly strong spices, nutmeg and cloves. A very long, very powerful finish, sliced lime, orange blossom, mineral notes, white pepper, prickly pear, a slice of cured ham, scallops, speculoos crumbs. An aftertaste of asphalt, spongy peat, petrichor, yet always with a touch of indulgence, white currant, almond paste. 

 

In Short, 

We’re really lucky, because this is absolutely delicious. The nose is incredible, pure, concentrated Ardbeg, vaguely reminiscent of the Ten, but ten times better. The palate is perfect, full of exotic fruits, you can barely taste the peat. And the finish is fantastic, returning to a full minerality, the quintessential Ardbeg peaty character. I loved every drop of the small centiliter I was given, from start to finish. On the other hand, the price is completely delusional. Even at half price, it would still be too expensive. 

Score : 91+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Green Day - Jesus of Suburbia

Glen Grant 2009 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 16 yo c. 900941

 

 

 

58,6°

Distillery : The Glen Grant - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Butt 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Glen Grant is a distillery that is both famous and little-known. Everyone knows of it, but it’s not every day that you get the chance to taste one of its single malts, since most of its production goes into well-known blends. Here we have a 16-year-old expression, having spent its early days in a first-fill sherry butt, which yielded 631 bottles, enough to satisfy everyone’s curiosity. Not to be confused with the sister cask, No. 900933, which was aged in a refill sherry hogshead. 

  

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry is very lemony and honeyed, almost tart. It features raisins, dates, caramel sauce, oranges, mandarins, kumquats. A generous dose of cinnamon and a hint of bergamot. Mint leaves. On the palate, roasted almonds, crushed walnuts, vanilla and lime. Dried fruits, perhaps exotic, and subtle spices. A long, well-structured finish, apricot jam, shortbread cookies, red currants, nutmeg, and a few subtle mineral and salty notes. Crème brûlée and sandalwood. 

 

In Short, 

I detected a few minor flaws on the nose, along with a slight acidity. It’s better on the palate, and the finish is really good. Overall, it’s not bad at all, but you have to like citrus flavors. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, especially given its age and price, you’d expect better from one of the most renowned independent bottlers. 

Score : 88-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Willow Avalon - Hypothetically Speaking

Strathmill 2009 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 16 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Strathmill - Speyside 

Refill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The Strathmill Distillery, along with Strathisla and Glen Keith, is located in the small town of Keith in Moray. It is owned by Diageo, and I am not aware of any original bottlings under its name. That’s why a release like this one is so interesting: the Refill Bourbon Barrel will really let the distillate shine, and the average age will allow for a certain subtlety without completely overshadowing the youthful vigor. And then there’s Gordon & MacPhail, one of the very best on the market. 211 bottles are being released. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

More cereals, with toasted wheat, buttery malt, and a slight minty freshness. Citrus and molasses, fresh apple slices. A light touch of iodine, some herbaceous notes, cut hay. Lamb’s lettuce, whole walnuts. On the palate, it’s smooth, the citrus notes are more pronounced, grapefruit and orange zest, along with crushed almonds. Cocoa powder, subtle spices. A fairly long finish with dried fruit, shortbread cookies, a hint of anise, and even a whisper of liquorice. Dried herbs, a bouquet of wildflowers. 

 

In Short, 

All in all, it’s good, but it’s also smooth and light. I really liked the grainy and floral elements that make up its profile, the rest isn’t necessarily exceptional or remarkable. Its age does give it a nice complexity though, and it’s very pleasant to drink. The price is reasonable for a 16-year-old, but not necessarily for this one. 

Score : 88   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                                     DownRiver Collective - Poor Man's Home

SMWS 2019 140.21 Puffs of Candyfloss Smoke 3 yo

 

 

 

62,7°

Distillery : Balcones Distilling - USA 

#3 Char New Oak Barrique 

Independent Bottling 

By Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated 

 

 

 

Balcones Distilling is based in Waco, deep in the heart of Texas. Founded in 2009, it produces bourbon whiskey from blue corn, a little-known local variety. But it also produces single malt whiskey, and that’s exactly what we have here, a three-year-old expression that was apparently aged in a virgin, yet well-charred barrel. A total of 216 bottles were released to the market. This is an American whiskey, and it’s peated—which I believe is very rare. The peat level isn’t specified, but I estimate it at around 30 ppm. The sad story of this distillery is that its founder, Chip Tate, was fired by the investor in 2015. He had to leave the premises under police escort, even though he had built all the equipment himself. Today, Balcones is owned by Diageo and bears no resemblance to the small, artisanal business it was when it was first established in a former welding shop. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Liquid caramel and cinnamon, toasted pine bark, pine cones tossed into the fire, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow, roast pork in the fireplace with herbs, earthy smoke laden with soot, giant Medjool dates, meat sauce, churned butter, a few candied cherries. On the palate, smoky wood with ham, liquid honey, maple syrup, grilled lemon. Spices are correctly balanced. The finish is powerful of course, though not quite long, candied ginger, barley sugar, a variety of aromatic herbs, the freshness of peppermint, crushed hazelnuts and traces of charcoal. 

 

In Short, 

It certainly has the merit of being very original, and it’s well-made to boot, but I recommend adding a few drops of water to lower the alcohol content. The oak is intense and dominates the tasting, fruit notes are scarce, but with all the caramel and aromas from the charred wood, it offers a lovely, indulgent flavor. The peat isn’t very strong and adds to the complexity. A lovely, powerful finish. The price is, of course, high for a 3-year-old, but it’s a very interesting and enjoyable curiosity that’s worth a few sacrifices. In any case, it’s sold out everywhere. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Twisted Teens - Florida Water Blues

Bowmore 2001 Artist #8 Sherry Over 15 yo

 

 

 

55,3°

Distillery : Bowmore - Islay  

Bourbon Cask and Sherry Finish 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 25 ppm 

 

 

 

This relatively young Bowmore was selected to be part of the 8th batch of the Artist series, released each year on the occasion of Whisky Live Paris. It’s labeled “Over 15 yo,” but it could be as old as 17 years, since it was distilled in 2001 and bottled in 2018. I’d like to know how long the sherry finish lasted. 679 bottles were drawn from the cask. Japanese painter Takehiko Sugawara designed the label.  

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Juicy red plums, Reine-Claude jam, damson pulp, apricot pits, forest honey, dried heather. The smoke is light, traces of soot around the fireplace, remnants of charcoal. A few iodine-like and salty notes, but they remain subtle. Supple leather, coffee grounds, dark chocolate. On the palate, candied cherries, blackberries swimming in pastry cream, flambéed waffles splashed with a light and damp peat note. Subtle spices, clove. A few salty, biscuity, floral, lemony notes on the finish, sea spray and dried seaweed. Tall grasses, reeds. 

 

In Short, 

I don't know how long the sherry finish lasted, but it was just the right length of time. The sherry is intense, yet still allows the character of the distillate to shine through. The aging is perfect, the peat is softened but still makes its presence felt, resulting in a whisky of beautiful subtlety, though still expressive. The price is honestly out of proportion, to the point where it no longer makes any sense.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                     To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             If These Trees Could Talk - Red Forest

Chichibu 2017 Anthology Collection - Kazumasa Nagai 8 yo c. 7966

 

 

 

63,3°

Distillery : Chichibu - Japan 

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel  

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

With Chichibu, you can always expect something special. Here, a simple 8-year-old whiskey aged in a single first-fill bourbon barrel, it may not seem like much, but it holds a lot of promise. The barley selected is Odyssey barley, which is rarely used in whiskey. The label was designed by master designer Kazumasa Nagai. 192 bottles are being sold primarily through La Maison du Whisky, as part of its Anthology selection, on the occasion of Whisky Live Paris.  

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Lemon cut into slices and sprinkled with a pinch of salt, grapefruit zest, hazelnut cream, mountain honey, candied mirabelle plums, floral and anise notes, vanilla and mint cookies, delicate woody notes. Yogurt cake, cheese soufflé, dried pineapple. On the palate, it’s very fruity, but also features fried vegetables, artichokes and zucchini, which blend with creamy vanilla and banana. A long, powerful finish, where some cereals stand out, toasted wood, cardamom, pine cone, barley sugar. A slice of bread with semi-salted butter. 

 

In Short, 

Let's be clear, this is one of the best Chichibu whiskies I've ever tasted, and keep in mind that, generally speaking, they're all excellent, or nearly so. Everything about it is perfect, from its intense fruitiness to the notes of grain and barley sugar on the finish. Of course, the price is way too high, but it’s hard to pass up a gem like this just because of a lack of funds. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                                        Stella Rose Gahan - Drugstore Romeo