Ardbeg Scorch

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Ardbeg - Islay 

Heavily Charred Ex-Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 54 ppm

 

 

 

On the occasion of Ardbeg Day 2021, a special day of festivities taking place during Feis Ile, the distillery is offering this umpteenth limited edition, aged in particularly charred and toasted Bourbon casks. This had already been done with the Alligator in 2011 and the Grooves in 2018, but this time it seems that the casks have been charred to the point of 'near destruction'. The edition was limited to 42,000 bottles. Not to be confused with Ardbeg Scorch Committee Release, which is 51.7°, whereas this version is reduced. The name comes from a curious legend, according to which a dragon lives in the distillery's Warehouse 3. Fortunately, this dragon doesn't drink alcohol, which leaves us with some to savour.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the first nose, vanilla, marshmallow and molasses, followed by smoke, coaly, sooty, but also very subtle. Then iodine and peat come into play. It's very balanced, almost mild, which is surprising from this distillery. It's very fresh, with a hint of aniseed. Then it's that gooey marshmallow that comes back, it's sweet, you can lick your fingers of it. Vanilla cream, pistachio, chocolate shavings. On the background, you can smell burnt wood, the aftermath of a forest fire. The palate is a bit light, lemony, but unctuous, creamy and soon spicy, with pepper and cumin, cloves, nutmeg and fine ash. Bitter ginger, asparagus. Coarse salt. Flame-thrown peat. Very long finish, lignite, breaking your teeth on a lump of coal, sparkling water, cola, nuts, hazelnuts, cashew. The sensation is of a little electricity on the tongue, like licking the two poles of a battery. Slightly bitter.

 

In Short, 

Yes, this limited edition is definitely the best since Dark Cove. There's a nice balance between the very delicious taste and that charred nuance you can feel in the background. The spices are also very pleasant. On the other hand, the palate is not so good, light and a little bitter. I'd love to try the Committee Release, but the price of a 46° sample is high enough as it is.

Score : 89

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                          Jeff Healey - As The Years Go Passing By