Ardbeg Grooves

Ardbeg Grooves, NAS, 46 %

A couple of months back I reviewed the Ardbeg Grooves - Committee Release. Now I have finally gotten around to typing up my review of the regular release of Ardbeg Grooves.

The only difference between the two versions, as far as I know, is the ABV.

Ardbeg Grooves can still be purchased in Norway at NOK 1250 (8347001), and in Sweden at SEK 999 (4023201). I am not quite sure what the reasoning behind the price is. This is very expensive compared to the standard Ardbeg 10 YO, which in Norway costs less than half at NOK 600. Is it just because it is limited, and there is always a certain amount of hype around these Ardbeg releases?

Nose: Vanilla, mild caramel, hints of red berry jelly, mild citrus. Bonfire on the beach, made from wet driftwood. Cold, but fresh coffee. Hints of ashes.

Taste: Full-bodied and rich. Quite peppery on arrival; szechuan pepper, black pepper and hints of chili. Chewy ashes and tar. Mild citrus, nuts, vanilla and chocolate.

Finish: Medium long finish. Does not really develop a whole lot. Pepper, vanilla, caramel, and hints of citrus and grass.

Comments: The nose is classic Ardbeg to me. A soft filter version of the Ardbeg 10 YO. All-in-all more or less the same as the Committee Release.

Score (85/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas