Description:
Ardbeg Scorch Committee Release was the highly anticipated limited edition bottling for Ardbeg Day / Fèis Ìle 2021, exclusively available initially to Ardbeg Committee members. This Islay single malt whisky pays homage to Islay's legendary dragon and the heavily charred casks it matured in. Aptly named 'Scorch', it was aged in intensely flame-charred ex-bourbon American oak casks, often referred to as "alligator char," to impart a fierce and unique character. Bottled non-chill filtered at a potent Committee Release strength of 51.7% ABV, it promised an intensely smoky and fiery Ardbeg experience.
Tasting Notes:
-
Nose: Intense and pungent aromas of thick soot, tar, and barbecue smoke mingle with grilled notes. Underneath, hints of aniseed, liquorice, toasted brioche, black pepper, and perhaps a touch of herbal savouriness emerge alongside vanilla from the charred oak.
-
Palate: Powerful and mouth-coating. Explosive flavours of peat smoke, ash, and charcoal dominate, layered with intense notes of dark chocolate, molasses, burnt sugar, cracked black pepper, and a distinct charred wood character. There's an underlying oily texture and fiery spice.
-
Finish: Very long, smoky, and drying. Lingering notes of soot, tarry smoke, medicinal phenols, black pepper spice, and charred oak dominate the finish, leaving a lasting impression of intense heat and smoke.
