Ardbeg Scorch Committee Release

Spicy, Maritime, Costal
2022-12-18 Ardbeg's Committee Release 2021 was the Scorch. The malt was stored in extremely burnt out ex-bourbon barrels. The associated story tells of a dragon that was resident in Ardbeg's Warehouse 3.
As usual for Ardbeg, this Committee Release Malt is only available for purchase directly from Ardbeg on Ardbeg Day. Probably, very few bottles actually make it to the tasting - most will probably stand locked in collector's cabinets.
The Ardbeg Scorch Committee Release is clearly a collector's item
The Ardbeg Scorch Committee Release is clearly a collector's item (@whiskyedition)
Single Malt Whisky | No Age Statement | 51,70 % ABV. | 165,00 €/l | Ardbeg Distillery | produced in Scotland (Islay)

Smell

The opening is, as expected, biting. Intense BBQ and campfire aromas. A certain meaty, tar-like quality is rounded out by sweet vanilla notes. For us, the malt is (unusually for Ardbeg) slightly medicinal.

Taste

The taste is - after smelling - surprisingly sweet. Vanilla and caramel nestle with intense oak and the taste of burnt toast. Dryness and pepper spice complement the sweetness on the palate.

Finish

The intense Scorch stays in the mouth for a long time. Intensely woody with smoke and ash, it becomes a bit rubbery at the back.

Conclusion

The Scorch is a rock-solid, but also quite unusual Ardbeg. The unreasonably high price is unfortunately not determined by the bottle's content, but by hype, artificial scarcity and a good marketing story. Clearly a collector's product.

76/100 - Very Good
(Marcel: 69 | Sascha: 83)

Value for Money: Sufficient

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Preview Image Source: rumundco.de
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