Ardbeg Scorch - Committee Release

Ardbeg Scorch - Committee Release, NAS, 51.7 %

This is the 2021 Ardbeg Day release. Matured in “Ardbeg Alligator casks refilled” - heavily charred ex-bourbon casks. See my old review of the Alligator from way back in 2013. The Ardbeg Scorch - Committee Release was bottled 2021-01-20 and released in time for the virtual Feis Ile 2021.

Nose: Ooh, this is nice. Not at all raw or unbalanced as some of the other recent Ardbeg releases have been. This is laid back and harmonious. Sweet, soft, rich barbecue smokiness. Sure there is an edge to it, but it’s all good. Soot and licorice, smoked bacon and sausages. Above it all fluffy clouds of citrus flavoured marshmallow and cotton candy.

Taste: Full bodied and rather dry. Soot, coal and ashes. The wood smoke. Then a pinch of salt as well as fizzy ginger and some spiciness

Finish: Medium long finish. Lighter, fresher and sweeter now. Smoked strawberries. Tropical fruits rolled in sugary ashes. Ginger. Mint. Yum

Comment: Love the finish on this dram.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas