Ardbeg Blasda

I understand the intent behind this offering, but I don't agree with it. (And, naturally, they are unconcerned with my opinion.) This expression from a renowned Islay distillery features its lowest peat content, an attempt at something novel and appealing that didn't succeed. Bottled at 40% ABV (yes, that's correct, a 40% ABV Ardbeg), it has the color of white wine. On the nose, it's very fragrant but somewhat lacking in depth. Notes of champagne cola, pineapple, floral, and perfumed scents are prominent. There are also hints of grapefruit, citric gooseberries, and lemon air freshener. After an initial taste, it presented as sugar syrup. The aroma diminished significantly. It smells like a lightly peated Highland malt. On the palate, it's very thin, with a sugary pineapple juice flavor and a touch of pepper. Very subdued. A second sip revealed sugar syrup and honey. The aftertaste was very faint. Sugar syrup, a whisper of salt and smoke. As a famous band once sang, it makes me question if this is truly an Ardbeg. It feels like an excessively diluted Arran. While I believe distilleries should be allowed to experiment and I appreciate the effort, I'm certain this was tasted before bottling. (The bottle design is actually attractive; it might be a collector's item, but it's undoubtedly the lowest-rated Ardbeg ever. My personal score is 74 out of 100.)

Nose - Faint hints of peat, strawberries, vegetal notes, sweetness, malted barley, delicate floral notes, anise. Palate - Peaty smokiness is present but still very subtle, black pepper, dark chocolate, a thin coating on the mouth (likely due to the alcohol percentage), decent legs...Sherry less noticeable. The level of spice is pleasing. Finish - Red licorice and buttered popcorn, with a slight minty quality. After adding water - reduced intensity of the aromas, no improvements.... It's worth the initial price of $45-50 for something distinct from the usual Ardbeg 10, but definitely NOT worth secondary market prices. I was fortunate to not overspend on this one.

The nose presents light lemony smoke and powdered sugar, showing promise, but the low ABV doesn't offer much flavor. The mouthfeel is weak, and the notes of spice, black tea, and wet rocks are utterly unremarkable. You might detect a trace of grapefruit if you're being generous. The end is very dry with a touch of tangerine. My final thought that night was simply 'why?' A poorly planned venture, much like New Coke.

An elegant, lightly smoked Islay Scotch with 8ppm peat, unlike the usual 24ppm. Its aroma begins with hints of Chocolate éclair, dry seaside driftwood, toffee, sherry, refreshers sweets & a whisper of mild smoke; while its body is smooth & spiced, bringing notes of lemon, herbs, oak, vanilla & peppermint creams; leading to a gentle, slick finish with notes of berries, rose & peppermint creams, December 2017 / May 2018 / August 2022

From a tasting club pour. Subtle yet engaging. Exhibiting notes of Vanilla, Banana, Peach, Coconut, Caramel, Florals, Caramel Custard, Pear, a Whisper of Smoke, Pepper, Honey, Wax, and Grass. It wonderfully showcases Ardbeg's fruitier character.

Ardbeg should concentrate on their heavily peated releases. The flavor balance is completely off and not what one expects from Ardbeg.