Distillery: Ardbeg Distillery
Region: Port Ellen, Islay, Scotland
Aging: No Age Statement but finished in Pedro Ximenez Sherry Casks and Ardbeg’s Unique BBQ Casks
ABV: 50.9% ABV
Proof: 101.8 Proof
Mash Bill: 100% Islay Single Malt
Non-Chill Filtered: Yes
MSRP Price: $85
Ardbeg BizarreBQ Tasting Notes
Appearance: Amber
Nose: Smooth and rich peat, smoke, meaty, smoked meats, peppery beef jerky, caramel, vanilla, charred oak, campfire, dark fruits, black cherry, citrus, malt
Palate: Rich peat and smoke, charred oak, meaty smoked BBQ that reminds me of peppercorn steak or peppered beef jerky, hints of citrus, earthy, leather, tobacco
Finish: Rich and oily finish but not overpowering – leaves your mouth full of rich peaty and smokey flavors that really do remind me of BBQ meats.
Is Ardbeg BizarreBQ an Approachable Whisky?
If you’re a fan of peaty and smokey Scotch whisky, you’re going to love this one.
I’m always a fan of Ardbeg bottles, but some are better than others.
This one is in the winner category.
Is Ardbeg BizarreBQ Complex?
Ardbeg BizarreBQ has a lot of flavors going on in this pour.
On the nose, you get all the rich peaty, and smokey notes that we all know and love from Ardbeg.
But surprisingly, the name on the bottle does deliver on what it advertises… rich BBQ flavors.
The first flavors you get on the palate are your typical peat and smoke.
Layered on top of that are some sweet caramel, vanilla, and charred oak notes that round out the flavor profile quite well.
In addition, you then get a wonderful layer of pepper and smoked meat flavors that truly do remind me of when I grill a peppercorn-seasoned steak or when my brother makes his delicious peppery smoked beef jerky.
On the tail end, you get hints of light fruits and citrus that round out the entire experience.
What are Ardbeg BizarreBQ’s strongest attributes/flavors?
Ardbeg BizarreBQ’s strongest attribute is absolutely the BBQ flavor they add to this one.
I’m a fan of the Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, but the BBQ casks they used are the star of the show on this one.
If you’re a fan of Ardbeg Uigeadail, this is basically that with additional BBQ flavors added on top for the same price tag.
Is Ardbeg BizarreBQ a go-to whisky?
Ardbeg BizarreBQ is a limited-release bottle, but if I could get this all the time it would absolutely be a go-to whisky for me.
It is absolutely delicious.
Is Ardbeg BizarreBQ priced accurately to its quality?
Ardbeg BizarreBQ delivers above its price tag.
This bottle costs $85 which is $10 cheaper than Ardbeg Uigeadail and Ardbeg Corryvreckan which are two of my go-to Scotch whiskeys.
I would have to taste all three side-by-side, but I can definitely say that this bottle is easily worth its price tag.
Conclusion for Ardbeg BizarreBQ
This pour of Ardbeg BizarreBQ is remarkably delicious and is one of my favorite Ardbeg bottles that I have tried (and I’ve tried a lot).
Among the special edition bottles like Ardbeg Heavy Vapours, Ardbeg Hypernova, Ardbeg Ardcore, and Ardbeg Scorch I think this one may be my favorite.
While each bottle has its own unique qualities, Ardbeg BizarreBQ focuses on a smooth and balanced flavor profile rather than focusing on having the most peat and smoke.
If you have the chance to purchase this bottle at MSRP, I would 100% pick it up.
This is one bottle I would even recommend spending slightly more than MSRP to get if you have to.
It is really delicious and stands up to some of my other favorite peaty Scotches like Laphroaig Lore and Octomore 14.3.
Let Us Know What You Think
I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.
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Thanks for reading and cheers!
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