Ardbeg 8 year old FOR DISCUSSION Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml, 50.8% ABV)
$199.00
This amazing Ardbeg expression was "Bottled Exclusively for the Ardbeg Committee" and its members and was stamped "FOR DISCUSSION".
Way back in 2004, Ardbeg launched the first of the “For Discussion” series. Labelled as 'Very Young', it gave Ardbeg enthusiasts the chance to sample a ‘work in progress’. This 'Committee-exclusive' bottling revisits that theme. It's the result of an experiment by Master Distiller, Dr Bill Lumsden and an attempt to answer his question "what if, in an alternative universe, Ardbeg Ten was not the distillery’s “flagship” aged expression?"
According to "Dr Bill", "an aged ex-Sherry whisky is new territory for us, so naturally, we want some thoughts. We’re sharing this with the Committee’s experienced palates to help us find that smoky sweet spot. It’s more than guaranteed to provoke discussion among those privileged enough to taste it.”
Tasting notes (below) have been supplied by the distillery:
Quantity
Tasting Notes
- Colour:
- Nose: Intense with a burst of charcoal, creosote, tar and treacle toffee, with curious hints of something vegetal, like fennel, celery and green peppers. Once these subside, there are hints of milk chocolate, aniseed and woodsmoke. With a little drop of water, some more herbal notes appear, like fennel, coriander and lavender, along with some characteristic Ardbeg aromatic woodsmoke and a hint of fresh, salty sea spray.Add water and an oceanic minerality brings a breath of cool, briny seaspray. Waxed lemon and lime follows with coal tar soap, beeswax and herby pine woodlands. Toasted vanilla and sizzling cinnamon simmer with warm hazelnut and almond toffee.
- Palate: A distinctively peppery mouthfeel eases into a complex symphony of flavours; treacle toffee, aniseed, salted caramel chocolate, eucalyptus, menthol and briar wood, to name but a few. The ‘tingling’, peppery sensation on the palate continues, with the sweeter flavours giving way to more savoury notes like charcoal, smoked bacon, burnt toast and tar.
- Finish: The aftertaste is long and lingering, with a suggestion of peppermint and clove.
Awards
- 2022 International Whisky Competition, placing 1st in the “Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Years and Under” category with a score of 92.8 points
About the Distillery
Ardbeg Distillery, located on the rugged shores of Islay, is renowned for producing some of the most intensely peated single malt whiskies in the world. Established in 1815, the distillery has a rich history shaped by both tradition and innovation. Ardbeg’s distinctive character comes from its use of malted barley dried over peat fires, giving its whiskies their signature smoky, earthy, and maritime flavors. Despite facing periods of closure, Ardbeg was revived in the late 1990s and has since gained a cult following among whisky enthusiasts who appreciate its bold, complex expressions.
With a commitment to craftsmanship, Ardbeg continues to push the boundaries of Islay whisky while staying true to its roots. Its core range, including the legendary Ardbeg 10-Year-Old, Uigeadail, and Corryvreckan, showcases layers of smoke, dark chocolate, citrus, and spice. Experimental releases and limited editions further highlight the distillery’s innovative spirit. Whether enjoyed by long-time peat lovers or newcomers seeking a true taste of Islay, Ardbeg remains a benchmark for powerful and meticulously crafted single malt Scotch whisky.
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