Ardbeg Perpetuum Distillery Release
Ardbeg Perpetuum Distillery Release, NAS, 49,2 %
Ardbeg Perpetuum Distillery Release
2015 is a big year on Islay. Two distilleries, Ardbeg and Laphroaig, celebrate their 200 year anniversary! Both distilleries have promised to celebrate in style, and release a number of special bottlings. The Ardbeg Perpetuum Distillery Release Bicentenary Committee Release (long name!) is the first special from Ardbeg.
The Ardbeg Perpetuum is only for sale at the distillery and was released just a few days ago. I have not yet found the retail sales price for this release, but will update this article as soon as I know.
My wife and I are currently on Islay, and we had to try this whisky when we had the chance. So, without any further ado, here are our impressions of this anniversary release.
2015-03-19 Update: The Ardbeg Perpetuum is sold at GBP 70 at the distillery only. Ardbeg will not sell this bottle online, it is a special bottle for the fans that actually make the trip to the distillery.
There is a limit of two bottles per person, and as far as I could see there are no miniatures of the Ardbeg Perpetuum.
2015-05-04 Update: It appears Ardbeg is selling this release online after all! Starting today they are selling this online, but will ship to the UK only.
2015-05-10 Update: On Friday May 8, the state monopoly stores in Norway started selling a different version of the Ardbeg Perpetuum. This new version has an ABV of 47,7 %. I do not know if this is the only difference. It is sold at NOK 916 (item number 2190601). I find it a bit confusing that Ardbeg have launched more than one Ardbeg Perpetuum, and that they seem to communicate different release dates.
2015-06-01 Update: We have now tested the two Perpetuums head-to-head a couple of times. The results can be found here.
Nose: The first thing that strikes me is that this release is less chocolate-y than the recent bottlings from Ardbeg. It is, of course still sweet, but this time I detect vanilla and candied pears covered in honey before the dark chocolate makes its presence known. It is peaty - round, full, sweet and delicate smoke. Quite warm on the nose, actually.
Taste: Ah! Here it is - the chocolate mousse. Followed by ashes made of chocolate (is that even possible?). Pepper and a bit of smokey chili. A bit on the dry side.
Finish: Laid back and mellow. A warm and peaceful landing - medium long. Ashes now accompanied by warm embers, dark chocolate, fresh licorice and citrus.
Balance: Again a very nice no age statement (NAS) release from Ardbeg. They do know what they are doing at the distillery.
Score (89/100)
Sláinte! - Thomas
