Ardbeg Ardcore Committee Release
Peaty, Leathery2022-06-02
The releases are very polarising. Very interesting for collectors and sold out just as quickly, those who want to taste the latest Committee release often don't get their money's worth.
Smell
At first, the smell reminds us more of a Laphroaig than an Ardbeg. We identify phenolic smoke that fades into a steam note. It reminds us of neatly burnt toast. Fighting through the smoke, an Ardbeg-typical vanilla-citrus note emerges. This is accompanied by roasted malt and ham.
Taste
The typical Ardbeg anise with a certain seawater saltiness hovers over a not-so-intense campfire ember flavour. Gradually, vanilla and chocolate fight their way to the fore. We would have expected more chocolateiness from the dark roasted barley malt. Roasted aromas are present, but rather subtle. Overall, not much, we have to say, unfortunately.
Finish
The spicy-dry finish is medium long, but that's not what we've come to expect from Ardbeg. Not very impressive.
Thoughts
We are missing the flavour explosion here. It is a single malt whisky from Ardbeg, yes - no question. But it is not a wild, punky Ardbeg. Straightforward, not very voluminous, not very complex. Basically, the combination is solid, but not punky, more like a terraced house with a well-kept front garden. We don't need to talk about the price. It is the usual hype-drop stuff. Completely overpriced and perhaps interesting for collectors. If you need something wild, you should go for the Ardbeg Wee Beastie!