Ardbeg Corryvreckan
As a permanently available Single Malt Whisky, it was considered the most intense Scotch of the Ardbeg distillery for a long time. With a quasi-barrel strength of 57.1 ABV, a pure and a slightly water-stretched tasting is compulsory.Ardbeg Corryvreckan is named after the Corryvreckan whirlpool. This legendary whirlpool forms in the strait between the Jura and the island of Scarba - so at first glance it has nothing directly to do with the island of Islay, the home of the Ardbeg distillery.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Very powerful, we have a fir tree-like, spicy savoury scent in our nose at the first sniff. Discreet and not very intrusive, the typical Ardbeg smoke is in the background. After a while in the glass, the perceived aromas change to butter heated in the microwave, a dark, berry fruitiness and some forest honey. With a little water: the sweetish aromas take over. Clearly more vanilla and honey, but also more charcoal and smoked ham. Some sauerkraut in the background.
Palate
A fruity oil-grease-butter-flavour with sea salt and black pepper lies broadly on the tongue. Butter caramel, ash and campfire float above. At the top are citrus aromas, maybe some bergamot. With a little water: Clearly oilier and with more citrus, but still very sweet, we taste red gummy bears, blueberries and other dark fruits. In the background, clear roasted aromas and a little nut.
Finish
Deep and powerful, the exceedingly intense Ardbeg remains salty on the palate with a slight peppery spiciness. A certain tarry note resonates. With a little water: More smoke and ash.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
For lovers of intense flavors, the Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a true adventure, delighting with its sweet sherry notes and the characteristic Ardbeg smoke. It is powerful, smoky, and at the same time surprisingly complex – a dram that’s fun and memorable.
Sascha 87/100
The Ardbeg Corryvreckan impresses with a complex balance of intense sherry aromas, distinctive smoke, and a precise structure on the palate. The combination of fruitiness, spices, and salty seasoning is technically impressive, yet its sheer intensity means it’s not accessible to everyone.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Laphroaig Brodir Final Batch
The Laphroaig Brodir Final Batch is a limited edition, named after the Viking term for "brother", and is the final batch in a series of special bottlings honouring the distillery's heritage and connection to the island's Viking history.After several batches, this Laphroaig, matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in a port cask, is now discontinued. The Scotch does not bear an age statement.
83/100
Lagavulin 2024 12 Years Fireside Tales - Diageo Special Releases 2024
A new Lagavulin special release? The whisky nerd grabs his nosing glass faster than an Islay fisherman grabs his mackintosh. The ‘Fireside Tales’ from the Diageo Special Releases 2024 promises a warm, smoky story by the fireside.
82/100
Dun Naomhaig Bay Batch 2 2023 - Feinkost Reifferscheid
The 2023 Islay Single Malt Whisky, bottled by Feinkost Reifferscheid, is a characterful release without an age statement (No Age Statement), boasting a robust alcohol content of 56.0% ABV. As an independent bottler, Feinkost Reifferscheid has once again delivered a whisky that embodies the quintessential traits of the Isle of Islay.
86/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Ardbeg Corryvreckan perceived as particularly intense?
With an alcohol content of 57.1% ABV, the Ardbeg Corryvreckan has a very high strength, which makes its aromas especially powerful and concentrated. Additionally, the combination of smoke, spices, fruitiness, and salty notes creates a complex tasting experience.
How does the taste of Corryvreckan change when diluted with water?
Adding a little water brings out sweeter aromas like vanilla, honey, and fruit notes such as blueberries more prominently. The texture becomes oilier, and the smoky notes along with charcoal and ash become more intense and noticeable.
Why is the Ardbeg Corryvreckan named after a sea whirlpool, even though the distillery is located on Islay?
The name Corryvreckan refers to the legendary whirlpool of the same name between the islands of Jura and Scarba, near Islay. It symbolizes the whisky’s powerful and wild nature, even though the whirlpool itself is not directly on Islay.