Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Product Description:

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours was the unique limited edition bottling celebrating Ardbeg Day in 2023. This experimental Islay single malt represents a fascinating departure from standard Ardbeg production. For the first time ever at the distillery, it was distilled without the use of the purifier located on the spirit still. This device normally allows only the lighter, finer vapours to pass through, contributing to Ardbeg's balance. By bypassing it, the "heavy vapours" – the most pungent and untamed elements of the distillation – were captured, resulting in what Ardbeg describes as their most full-blown, intense, and aromatic whisky yet. It was released non-chill filtered, with the general release bottled at 46% ABV (and a Committee version at 50.2% ABV).

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Immediately intense and pungent. Clouds of potent peat smoke, coal dust, bitumen, and a distinct sharpness dominate. There are underlying notes of dark chocolate bitterness, brine, perhaps a hint of something slightly sour or medicinal, with the usual Ardbeggian citrus/floral notes notably subdued.
• Palate: Powerful, heavy, and assertive. Overwhelming flavours of thick, tarry peat smoke, ash, and charcoal coat the palate. Notes of bitter dark chocolate, strong espresso, liquorice root, and perhaps a touch of menthol emerge through the intense smokiness. The texture is typically oily, and the balance leans heavily towards the pungent, smoky elements.
• Finish: Exceptionally long, intensely smoky, and drying. Lingering impressions of coal smoke, tar, antiseptic notes, bitter chocolate, and a heavy, earthy peatiness dominate the finish.