Ardbeg 2017/2025 7 Year Old Bohemian Schnapsidee - VAME Malts

2025-05-11

Neither finish nor distillery can be found on the label of the ‘Bohemian Schnapsidee’ from the German independent bottler VAME Malts from Munich. The website states: ‘A Wee Scottish beastie, matured in a cask that previously contained another famous Scottish drink.’ They refer to the finish as ‘Special Brew’. If you add up 1:1 here, you will quickly recognise the Ardbeg distillery with the Wee Beastie und what can the Scottish speciality brew be other than Irn-Bru?Peat meets pop culture. And now ask yourself: Is this genius or madness?
We are more than curious!

Ardbeg 2017/2025 7 Year Old Bohemian Schnapsidee - VAME Malts (@whiskyedition)

We would like to give you the opportunity to participate in a private bottle sharing at cost price with this bottle. Take a look: Bottle Sharing

Nose

You open the bottle - and it's immediately clear: this isn't a toy. Or is it? The first wave is like an old gym changing room where someone has just opened an energy drink. There's tar, campfire smoke, orange, but also something synthetic, sweet and shrill. Gummy bears dance between BBQ sauce and vanilla malt.

Taste

What hits the tongue here is voluminous, sweet, smoky and somehow completely out of control. Imagine a mango BBQ sauce into which a tub of Swedish cardamom buns has fallen - and then someone has thrown liquorice and orange on top. Sounds confusing? It is.

Finish

The finish wants it all - immediately and simultaneously. First sweet and orangey, then suddenly salty, earthy, tarry - and then back to BBQ, fruit, smoke, a hint of gym and a final sip of gummy bear juice. Yes, it's almost artificial, but in a deliberately charming way.

Thoughts

The Bohemian Schnapsidee from VAME Malts is not a whisky for cosy fireside evenings. It is a conversation starter, a kaleidoscope of flavours, a bold experiment that works both as a tribute to Ardbeg's cult status and as an enjoyable crossing of boundaries. If you are only looking for classic sherry cask flavours, you will be overwhelmed. But those who are ready for a bit of chaos, fun and flavourful anarchy will be in for a real treat.

Rating: 84/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 80 | Sascha: 87)

Value for Money: 4/5 - Good

Preview Image Source: Whiskybase

Further Information

Cask Type: Special Brew Finish
Cask Number: Bro_1