Ardbeg Ardcore (2022 Committee Release)

Review #081 Type: single malt scotch Strength: 50.1% Details: No Age Statement, spirit created with roasted black malt, cask types not specified Tasted after: Ardbeg Ardcore Appearance (no score): Light straw color. Swirling creates a thin line that adheres to the glass, forming beads quickly, but the legs are slow to develop. Nose: 15/20 Sweet vanilla, caramel, oak spice, nuts, brown sugar, and a touch of peat smoke. There's also a faint chemical scent, possibly like pool chlorine? Palate: 28/40 Very subtle. It's nutty with a hint of savory smoke, some dark chocolate, and a drop of molasses. It's difficult to discern additional flavors. Finish: 30/40 Medium length. Ashes and oak spices give way to a taste reminiscent of eating very dark chocolate. It concludes with a slight menthol note and a cooling sensation. With Water: Adding a few drops of water introduces yellow pears to the aroma, a little saltiness to the palate, and enhances the oak spices in the finish. Total: 73/100 Final thoughts: While I generally enjoy Ardbeg committee releases, this one falls short. It was interesting, however, to compare it to the 46% version and observe the distinct flavor differences. This whisky is very smooth for its 50.1% ABV, but it lacks robust flavors and complexity. It's an adequate sipping drink, but not one I would actively seek out. Thanks to my sibling for the sample. Price: complimentary sample Recommendation: no Purchase intent: no Scoring Guide: 96-100: Exceptional, divine, a perfect dram, I'll cherish this bottle, 5 stars. 90-95: Nearly perfect, truly special, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to outstanding, nearly flawless, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, enjoyable but not amazing, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but flawed, unlikely to repurchase, 4 stars. 70-74: A decent dram, wouldn't go out of my way for it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Best suited for cooking or disposal, 2.5 stars or less.

Lately, Ardbeg has faced criticism because some believe their recent releases aren't as good as those from 4-5 years ago. In my experience, I've enjoyed most of them, with some being better than others, but I thought "Scorch" and "Fermutation" were truly amazing drams. That said, the expression that received the most critique was this "Ardcore," made with "Dark Roasted Barley" (I'm unsure if it's the same as what the parent company, LVMH, uses in the exceptional Glenmorangie Signet, which is an incredible whisky). I've already reviewed the standard "Ardcore," and now it's time to rate the committee release, which is essentially the same single malt but at a higher proof, 50.1% ABV. On the nose, it starts with notes of wood polish, cotton socks, and a lot of sawdust; smoked chitterlings. I also detect some liquid paper and a wet dog, haha. After letting it breathe a bit, an aroma of toy foam, organic soil was released; it genuinely smells like a mix of a fish market and a cow barn. Not my preferred Ardbeg. On the palate, it fails to develop anything interesting or bold as the bottle's marketing suggests. Vanilla, sweet bread. It feels odd, not very pleasant. Glue and hints of chocolate. The finish is certainly the best part. Plastic, a very long finish; car tires, oily, and kerosene (in a good way). Overall, this offers no value for your money by any measure. It's not bad or off-putting; it just lacks soul and depth. It feels like Ardbeg really put something cheap and unfinished here. The regular version (46% ABV) is significantly better and wasn't impressive. My score for this is a disappointing 83 out of 100.

The chocolate malt contributes dark chocolate and dark fruit notes to the Ardbeg character. Nose: Dates, Brown Sugar, Raisins, Figs, Pecans, Luxardo Cherries, Plums. Palate: Dark Chocolate, Raisins, Prunes, Ginger, Christmas Cakes, Orange Peels, Toffee, Raspberries. Finish: Raisins, Nutella, Prunes, Ginger, Orange Peels, Apricots, Honey, Grapefruit Peels.

Very brief sweetness at the start, then it becomes sharp and acrid (though not as sharp as the 10s), followed by a rich darker fruit note leading into a smooth transition to peat smoke. That said, I would do anything for Ardbeg 💯

The smoke is more muted, replaced by some chocolate notes. This is the best Ardbeg CR in several years, in my opinion.

The aroma is dominated by strong smoke and peat. The flavor is intensely smoky and peaty, with notes of bitter toffee and black coffee.