Something unusual stirs at the Distillery. The iconic purifier on the still, historically responsible for Ardbeg's celebrated equilibrium between peat and fruity florals, has mysteriously vanished. In its wake arises "Ardbeg Heavy Vapours", a single malt that speaks to the unexpected and the uncharted.
Where once balance reigned, now brooding, deeper flavours have taken the helm. This whisky unveils a tantalizing twist in the Ardbeg tale, delivering a nose and palate laden with a powerful, aromatic punch. It's an intoxicating dance of the dark and intense, heralding the rise of the Heavy Vapours.
Key Aspects:
- Non-chill filtered
- A firm 46% ABV
- Matured in Ex-bourbon casks
- NAS (Non Aged Statement)
- Exhibits a delicate hue of Pale Straw
Tasting Note by Ardbeg:
Nose: Heady, intense and powerful. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. A collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths. From salty seasoning comes a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries. Surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce.
Palate: Plunge into the whirlpool and torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue. The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface.
Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.