Ardbeg Blaaack

Indeed, it's another limited, age-statement-free annual offering from Ardbeg, yet this expression stands out as unique and quite exceptional. They certainly did the 20th Anniversary release justice. It's unfortunate, like other excellent bottles such as Dark Cove or Kelpie, that it won't achieve core range status. The aroma strongly echoes Uigeadail's rich wine influence; however, while Uigeadail is sherry-finished, this one was matured in Pinot Noir casks. I'm uncertain whether it's a blend of ex-bourbon and Pinot Noir or solely Pinot casks, though the label leans towards the latter. Immediately apparent is that it's less smoky than a typical Ardbeg. On the palate, it's smoother and more substantial, lacking the numerous flavor peaks, suggesting either very mature casks or that the Pinot heavily overshadows the smoke and youthful character. Beyond that, the nose returns to Uigeadail's profile: pronounced molasses and bacon, rich dark fruits from the wine, tart Michigan pie cherries, a hint of burnt honey, subtle Ardbeg citrus, and an aromatic, sweet-smelling wood note. The taste is reminiscent of Corryvreckan, starting with a slight spice that quickly fades without Corry's intensity. Smoke and smoked meat emerge after the spice, akin to smoked peppered bacon, followed by sweetness, fruit, and some barrel/wood elements. The tart cherry, alongside notes of strawberry (reminiscent of Ardbeg 17?) and blackberry, combined with honey and syrup sweetness, leads into the pleasant oak and barrel char typically found in bourbons. The finish is lengthy, as expected from Ardbeg, with a minty note appearing late on the palate or early in the finish. When mixed with the tart cherry and syrup sweetness, it creates an almost medicinal cherry cough syrup taste, settling into barrel char and honey/syrup sweetness. Fans of Uigeadail will truly appreciate this whisky and its parallels. Those who enjoy Corryvreckan might like this, wishing for more spice and impact (the White label committee release might offer that). If you appreciate both, you'll adore this bottling. Sadly, it's nearly sold out in many places, so act quickly if you're interested, as it won't remain on shelves like Grooves did.

As a devoted Ardbeg enthusiast, committee member, and lover of intense peat, I anticipate a certain profile from a new Ardbeg: a wonderfully monstrous whisky. This one, however, was quite a ride. Released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its committee, Blaaack was positioned as the "black sheep" of Islay. Its maturation in New Zealand pinot noir casks was inspired by the unique sheep-to-person ratio in both New Zealand and Islay. So, Pinot Noir meets Ardbeg... let's explore: At 46% ABV, this standard offering presents a burnished gold hue, darker than most Ardbegs. The aroma is wild. It begins with red fruits and shoe polish, evoking images of cows and a farm, with notes of hay. It's salty, carrying an aromatic grassy scent. After the initial taste, hints of seaweed and vanilla emerged, along with salt that possessed a strange, aged, almost damaged quality. Quite peculiar. The taste is superb. White chocolate, mild pepper, a pleasant sulfuric note. It's exceptionally sweet and delightful. Then, the finish. It's fiery. Highly sulfuric, with pepper, salt, and iodine. It has a meaty character, reminiscent of lamb. But following the first sip... it transformed into an amazingly sweet experience, with cotton candy, red fruits, and nougat. Ultimately, I'm unsure how to describe it. While the other 26 tasters enjoyed it immensely, I found it to be a good, intriguing dram, but ultimately unbalanced and chaotic. It seemed to aim for complexity with numerous flavors and aromas, but rather than developing them coherently, they were simply combined without order. This doesn't mean it's bad; it's quite good, but unbalanced, at least in my opinion. My final score is 90 out of 100, and for the first time, the "balance" aspect of my scoring system received a lower rating than the palate, nose, and finish.

In recent years, I haven't really been impressed by any Ardbeg Day releases. My sole motivation for purchasing those, and typically only the Committee Releases, is simply because it's Ardbeg. I've consistently felt Ardbeg faced a fortunate challenge with its regularly released expressions being so excellent (the 10, Uigi, Corey, and even the current 5-year-old), making it difficult for their special editions to measure up. Aside from the high-priced 17 and 19-year-olds, the core range always reigns supreme. That is, until this year. This bottling was likely the finest Ardbeg Day release I've experienced, far surpassing recent ones like Perpetuum, Drum, and Kelpie. I wouldn't claim it's superior to the core range; it's just distinct. It presents the signature sooty Ardbeg peat, but this time complemented by a fruity foundation. Imagine raspberry intertwined with smoky soot. If you can acquire it at a fair price, it's a highly recommended try, particularly for any Islay enthusiast. My thanks to a friend for the sample!

Ardbeg Blaaack (46%) Ardbeg Blaaack Cask: Pinot Noir Smell: Looking at the black sheep on the packaging and smelling it, I feel like I've buried my nose deep into black sheep wool. I don't have much experience with peat, but Ardbeg's calm peatiness appeals to me today. The smoky peatiness feels distinctly different from Laphroaig or Talisker. It might be a scent that allows sherry or bourbon drinkers to try peat more easily. As time passes, the smokiness settles down. Smelling it with my mouth open, I detect a woody scent, like the mat used for rolling kimbap. Taste: As expected from the Pinot Noir cask, the initial sensation in the mouth is 'light'. Yet, at the same time, there's a feeling of 'a solid core of smokiness'. It has a fruity feel (though fruit aromas aren't strongly perceived). Many tasting notes mention cherry (often found in Pinot Noir wine), but I still can't detect cherry no matter how hard I concentrate. Finish: A subtle tobacco and smoky vapor linger, then at just the right moment, a very slight gentle pepperiness remains before disappearing. #Light_but_solid_Ardbegness #Where_is_the_cherry_flavor Lately, I've been enjoying the smokiness of Halfeti or Ardbeg. ㅎㅎ

On the aroma, sassafras, a dry bubblegum reminiscent of old-school Hubba Bubba, a memory of a newly unwrapped 90s cassette tape, and a distinct yet faint mothball note. Upon arrival, ashy dry peat, white fruits, and longan berry, with no sweetness whatsoever. Probably the driest Ardbeg I've tried. The development is short, and the finish is lingering ash. The aroma is my favorite part of this dram, with the mouthfeel being on the thin side, which was unexpected. Worth the experience, but no need to regret not obtaining this release.

A nice Ardbeg bottling. The initial smells have the expected Ardbeg peat with some smoke, but soon the refined sweetness of wine cask, specifically from fortified red wines, emerges. The taste is layered with many nuts and toasted oak. Hints of vanilla enhance the peat and smoke. Extremely mellow texture and oily too that thoroughly coats your tongue. The finish is roasted nuts and a touch of fruity sweetness. Overall a very pleasing Ardbeg Feis Ile release that surpassed most of the previous years’ ones.