Ardbeg Drum (2019 Committee Release)

Did Ardbeg reach its peak with the Drum release? Was the Committee Release superior to the standard bottling? Let’s investigate. A dual review will be published for both. Drum CR versus Standard. Nose - On the CR, I detect banana, oak, light smoke, and candied cigar notes (a profile I frequently encounter in peated whiskies, particularly Ardbeg). I'm also sensing some oak notes from a recently used barrel. I'm getting similar aromas here, but with more cigarette character. The fruit seems cooked over a fire. Yes, the CR offers more banana and vanilla, while the standard bottling presents a broader spectrum of aromas. Taste - CR - I do get pineapple, banana, oak, vanilla, powdered sugar, light smoke, and a touch of brine, but not much. It's complex, it evolves, it does come across as a bit young, but many appreciate that in a peated spirit; however, it notably lacks Ardbeg's signature peat intensity. The standard bottling is more subtle, clearly diluted, but I extract more from it. Most importantly, I'm experiencing a more pronounced peat presence, a truer Ardbeg character. Yes, there's more brine, more smoke, and all the elements I seek in an Islay whisky, which truly make themselves known on the finish. Let's add some water to the CR! Nose on the CR shifts slightly but still isn't as intricate as the standard. It leans more towards burnt vanilla. Taste - adding water here makes the CR taste younger, with increased harshness and more of that banana and youthful oak character. It does lengthen the finish and provides a more characteristic Ardbeg smoke profile. The standard bottling offers more of what I perceive as iodine (though I've only encountered this descriptor in whisky discussions, so take that with a grain of salt). Overall - they receive the same score from me, but the standard bottling possesses a superior nose and palate. However, the mouthfeel of the CS CR compensates for these shortcomings. Are these good whiskies? They are acceptable. 2.0, and frankly, they will be an unusual topic of discussion. The MSRP was similar for both at some local stores. A few even sold the CR for less than the standard bottling upon release. I know a store that sold the CR for $120 and the standard for $130. So, this review pertains to the CR. If, like me, mouthfeel is paramount, I might lean towards this one in the end. Full disclosure: when I first sampled these two, I was absolutely convinced the standard bottling would be superior. I still believe, from a traditional whisky review standpoint, that it is, and I'm puzzled as to why. Does Ardbeg use superior water compared to mine?

This is my fourth bottle from the annual Feis Isle collection, and the first I acquired as a full-proof “Committee Release.” It’s a standard Ardbeg that spent extra time maturing in rum casks. A straightforward approach, but one I anticipate positively given Ardbeg’s track record. Nose: Intense peat, campfire embers, sea salt spray, brine, kelp, and iodine. Notes of a tennis ball and adhesive bandage. Vanilla cream, toffee, and dulce de leche. Sugar biscuits/graham crackers. Banana accompanied by grapefruit and lemon zest. Agave nectar. Shrimp cocktail and oysters. Toasted pineapple. Black pepper, cinnamon, and wood spice. It has the aroma of a waterfront meal. Palate: Vanilla cream, caramel, toffee, and sugar biscuits. Banana, grapefruit, lemon, and green bell pepper. More grilled pineapple. Campfire smoke, ash, and peat. Sea salt, kelp, and brine. Tennis ball, iodine, and adhesive bandage, with a hint of rubber. Agave and celery. Chili with red pepper and black beans. Cinnamon, black pepper, and wood. Finish: Lemon and grapefruit citrus. Campfire smoke, ash, sea salt, brine, kelp, and peat. Notes of chestnut and hazelnut. Dark and milk chocolate. Cocoa and pipe tobacco aroma. Chili with black beans and red pepper. Cinnamon, black and white pepper, and wood. An exceptionally long finish. This release masterfully combines peat, sweetness, and warmth. I appreciate how the rum casks impart tropical fruit notes to Ardbeg’s typically cold, stark coastal character. It’s a remarkable fusion, and the fact that the peat and ethanol don’t overpower the rum cask influence speaks volumes about the distillers. This expression surpasses the Perpetuum, Kelpie, and Grooves as my preferred Ardbeg annual release. While it had the advantage of being the sole Committee Release, making direct comparison potentially unfair, it still emerges as the winner. In fact, it ranks among the finest whiskies I've ever sampled. Regarding the price, I paid $300, having found it years after its release, with the retailer aware of its value. Had Ardbeg offered it at this price initially, I would have lodged a complaint. However, as a collector, I allowed the store to capitalize on my desire for completion, fully aware of the situation. Considering this context, I will be less stringent on the value for money assessment and evaluate it as if purchased at a more appropriate time. 5/5. It is the pinnacle of Ardbeg’s annual releases. Truly outstanding.

Here's an interesting aroma: bananas, caramelized sugar, vanilla, and a whisper of extinguished flames – essentially, Bananas Foster. Taking a sip or scooping some up with your pudding spoon rewards you with a rich, creamy mouthfeel and a hint of banana, before evolving into a more typical Ardbeg profile with a touch of dark chocolate. The finish is long and sweet, like a slice of pineapple melting into vanilla ice cream. A splash of water reveals some peaty spice – let's call it nutmeg to maintain the dessert theme. This is another delightful variation from Ardbeg, but unlike previous releases, I can't envision myself finishing a whole bottle any more than I can imagine consuming all the Bananas Foster in New Orleans. Although, I can imagine the latter, and it wouldn't end well. It would serve well as a substitute for dessert wine and make a lovely gift for a dinner party, but overall, I'd classify it as a must-try rather than a must-buy.

Exceptional spirit. The aroma is dominated by banana, sugar, and graham cracker. It smells like banana cream pie or bananas foster. I detect minimal peat here. The taste includes peat and smoke, though it's well-balanced by the sweetness. Not particularly fruity. Notes of earth, aged leather, and oak are present. The finish begins sweet with more banana and rum, but it fades quickly. Little to no burn. It was described as having a hint of dark chocolate, which I strongly agree with. Highly recommended.

A companion and I had a tasting event recently, sampling several drams together. This was the second-best of the night, out of twelve. The only spirit that surpassed it was a 1980s 10-year-old Macallan. This whisky was exceptional—smoky, resinous, with pine and sweetness. Truly unforgettable. If you can still find it at a reasonable price, you won't be disappointed. My thanks to my companion for sharing this!

I truly savored this. It's not for casual sipping, but rather for contemplation when the moment is right. I don't feel the rum cask influence is overpowering, yet it's undeniably present. To me, it complements the Ardbeg smoke wonderfully, offering a new take on the 'sweet peat' I appreciate so much.