Ardbeg Corryvreckan - 57.1%

 

From the Ardbeg website

Ardbeg Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, where only the bravest souls dare to venture. Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram. Like the whirlpool itself, Corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted! 

Non chill-filtered at 57.1% ABV.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Amber, forms a thick line which gradually falls as thick oily legs.

Nose: Phenolic, almost industrial oily peat smoke and salty sea spray initially dominate the nose. Time in the glass allows stewed dark berries, vanilla and a hint of pine resin to come through. Chilli and cloves provide spicy heat.

Palate: Rich dark berry fruit jam, burnt ends of roast beef and treacle toffee join slightly tarry peat smoke, nutty oak and coastal salt. Black liquorice, rich roasted coffee beans, woody oak and black pepper spice follow.

Finish: Muscovado sugar and coastal brine, dark chocolate and black pepper heat, whilst oak tannins provide a level of astringency.

Summary: It’s rich, complex, spicy and delicious. A whisky which delivers so much flavour in addition to that signature Ardbeg peat character.

Current price is around £75, in my view good value for money even for a ‘No Age Statement’ whisky. The next time you’re considering purchasing one of the many, increasingly expensive, limited editions launched by Ardbeg with the intention of drinking it, do yourself a favour and buy one of these instead. Trust me, you will get just as much if not more enjoyment from it, and save yourself money to put towards your next purchase.

If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Ardbeg distillery, follow the link to the company website.

Transparency: No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.