Today I look at the Ardbeg Day release of 2021: The Ardbeg Scorch Islay single malt Scotch whisky. I seldom buy or open my Ardbeg day releases because the liquid does not always live up to the hype, fanfare (and high price). The Ardbeg Day releases are drinkable but nothing mind-blowing most of the time.
Usually, the Ardbeg Day releases are average, but every couple of years, there is a fantastic bottle; I loved the Ardbeg Supernova release but found Dark Cove a bit bland. I have noticed a similar sentiment looking at other comments on the Ardbeg release.
A limited number of Ardbeg Scorch bottles made it to SA, and I did not get a bottle in the initial offering. Then a whisky friend, Luben, gave me a sample from his bottle.
Ardbeg is John’s favourite distillery, and after tasting the sample, he was in love. I knew I had to get my hands on a bottle if possible.
Fortunately, I found a bottle at the WhiskyShop in Fourways towards the end of 2021 and trust me, it was the best gift John got. He was over the moon.
The 2021 release is “Ardbeg’s tribute to the legendary dragon of Islay.” Ardbeg Scorch whisky is matured in its most heavily charred ex-bourbon American oak casks.
There is no age statement, and it is non-chill filtered and without added colour. Ardbeg distillery is part of the LVMH group of companies.
Also Read: Kilchoman Sanaig Whisky
REGION: Islay
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Amber pale gold
NOSE: Bonfire smoke next to the ocean, peat with toasted oak and vanilla, green pine branches and spices. Tar coated poles with hints of cigar smoke. Salted caramel and toffee apple sweetness. Big and bold, typical Ardbeg nose.
PALATE: Ash, charred wood with earthy peat and salt. Big, creamy and bold, right in your face. There is a fruity sweetness and vanilla behind the smoke mixed with some espresso and bitter chocolate on the second sip.
Sorch has the typical Ardbeg medicinal notes with a meaty flavour and a light lemon pepper sprinkling. It was so amazing; we finished our first glass without water. Complex and not an every day drinking dram.
FINISH: A long and lingering finish. With notes of ash and smoke and toasted oak and lemon pepper.
RATING: DIVINE
Just delicious! This is the first Ardbeg Day release in many years that I don’t mind owning, opening and drinking. I will be sad when it is finished.
The balance between the smoke and the hints of sweetness and spice is perfect. The smoky flavour is inviting you in for a taste; like BBQ smoke on the wind. You can smell it and know that there is fun to be had, but it does not suffocate or overwhelm you.
It left John and me with huge smiles, and even my sweet palate was not complaining. For a change, the Ardbeg Day release lives up to the hype. My bottle will not last long.
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