Ardbeg Eureka! - 52.2%
In 2023, we invited some of our most loyal Committee Members to the West Maltings at the Distillery to participate in a top-secret experiment named Operation Smokescreen. Unbeknownst to them, they were influencing the next Ardbeg Committee Exclusive – and a very special one, at that.
In celebration of 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee, we unveil Eureka!; a skilful marriage of PX sherry casks combined with roasted malt spirit matured in bourbon casks and offered at 52.2% alcohol strength.
Tasting notes:
Appearance: New gold in colour, forms a thin line which beads before gradually falling as thick, oily legs
Nose: Sweet smoke, barbecued pork, vanilla, tropical fruit, musty library books
Palate: Reasonable mouthfeel. Sweet barbecue smoke, dunnage warehouse floors, grilled pineapple, lemon and cracked black pepper, vanilla caramel toffees, a hint of dark fruits and woody oak spice. A few drops of water brings out more butterscotch caramel sweetness and a touch more spice
Finish: Woody and drying with a bite of black pepper
Overall: It would be fair to say Ardbeg have come in for a lot of criticism over the last few years, following a string of overpriced, underwhelming ‘limited release’ bottlings. So it makes a really pleasant change to try an Ardbeg outside of the core range which not only delivers on quality, but also manages to do it at a pocket-friendly price.
I’d already tried this in a couple of blind tastings and been impressed enough to open the bottle I picked up at the distillery shortly after it was released. Whilst I wouldn’t describe it as a truly amazing whisky, it’s certainly very enjoyable. The influence of the PX cask is perfectly balanced with the roasted malt spirit and there’s enough depth and complexity to keep it interesting. Personally, I don’t think it’s quite up to Corryvreckan or Uigeadail standards but it’s getting there, and it’s a huge step up from most of the recent limited editions.
Is that enough to forgive Ardbeg for putting out a series of below par bottlings at prices that smacked of milking a loyal fanbase? I would have to say it’s going to take a lot more than one release. However, it does feel like they may just have had their very own ‘Eureka! moment’ and finally listened to the criticism and done something about it. It’s a step in the right direction, I just hope that it continues.
If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Ardbeg distillery, follow the link to the company website.
