Ardbeg Supernova 2010

Ardbeg's Supernova series began in 2009, and the following year they increased the intensity. The 2010 Supernova is a well-regarded whisky, a potent dram at 60.1% ABV. I've sampled some Supernovas before (2015, 2019) and the less impressive Hypernova, all delivering a strong peaty character; let's see if this one lives up to its celebrated name. On the nose, it begins with Ardbeg's signature peat; damp socks, cotton soaked in medicinal alcohol. Wet grass. This can be sharp on the nose. It feels like the core of Ardbeg. It smells like holding a sour prune close to your face while in a rainforest. After the first taste, the aroma transforms into a delightful lemon meringue. A perfect score for the aroma. On the palate, it's surprisingly very sweet. Subtle sugar combined with intense ginger. The most powerful black pepper blast imaginable. Meringue sweets; brown sugar. It's like sugary milk. The finish has incredible notes. New shoes, socks, fresh towels. It's so dense it feels like you can chew it. Coal and pencil notes. Highly intriguing. Overall, this could be renamed "supersweet" instead of Supernova. It certainly has the intense peaty notes, but its primary characteristic is sweetness, which might appeal to those not typically drawn to Ardbeg. A truly wonderful dram with power and spice. I enjoyed it immensely. Ardbeg used to be better. They should return to their previous flavor profile. My score is 97 out of 100.

Nose: That familiar Ardbeg peat smoke aroma is present, yet it's a bit less sweet and packed with even more peat smoke. Palate: Classic Ardbeg peat character, but it lacks the sherry fruitiness. Instead, there's a touch of sea salt, and the peat is intensified. The substantial alcohol content is noticeable in its texture.