Ardbeg Ardcore Review - Secret Whiskey Society - Featured Square

Distillery: Ardbeg Distillery

Region: Port Ellen, Islay, Scotland

Aging: 10 Years

ABV: 46% ABV

Proof: 92 Proof

Mash Bill: 100% Islay Single Malt

Non-Chill Filtered: Yes

MSRP Price: $130

Ardbeg Ardcore Tasting Notes

Appearance: Light Hay

Nose: Honey, crisp green apple, vanilla, light oak, candied fruit, apricot

Palate: Peat, smoke, sweet honey, vanilla, oak, candied fruit, apricot, candied apple, hints of mint, spearmint, even light chocolate notes

Finish: Medium finish that is smooth but offers a nice oily mouthfeel – leaves you with a refreshing mint layered with light fruit, chocolate, and sweet honey and lingering pepper notes

Is Ardbeg Ardcore an Approachable Whiskey?

Ardbeg Ardcore is one of the smoother and easier to drink Ardbeg pours.

It’s not quite as peaty as your usual Ardbeg, but still offers a nice balance of peat and smoke layered on top of honey sweetness, light fruits, and a minty freshness.

Is Ardbeg Ardcore Complex?

Ardbeg Ardcore is less complex than other Ardbeg bottles, but in a good way.

It’s very easy to drink and creates a more delicate balance of peat and sweet.

I wish I got a bit more of the crisp apple notes on the palate as I did on the nose, but it just didn’t shine through the same as I thought it would.

What are Ardbeg Ardcore’s strongest attributes/flavors?

Ardbeg Ardcore’s strongest attribute is its peat and sweetness balance.

It’s also a great Peaty whisky to offer people who are just getting started into peat.

Is Ardbeg Ardcore a go-to whiskey?

Ardbeg Ardcore isn’t particularly easy to find and is a limited-release bottle so this is one I will be saving for special occasions.

Most likely I would crack this bottle when I have friends over who are fans of peat and we’re looking to have some nice drinks around the fire.

Is Ardbeg Ardcore priced accurately to its quality?

Ardbeg Ardcore is a bit pricey for what it delivers.

I’m a huge fan of Ardbeg Corryvreckan which costs $90 and I think I would buy a bottle of that over this one more often than not.

I’m glad I purchased this bottle because I love tasting and trying all of the editions Ardbeg offers, but I prefer Ardbeg Corryvreckan and the Ardbeg Heavy Vapours limited edition to this one.

Conclusion for Ardbeg Ardcore

I love trying new Ardbeg Scotch whisky and always try to buy their limited release bottles.

Each edition offers a unique twist on their standard peaty flavor profile and it’s fun to see what they do each time.

Ardbeg Ardcore comes packaged in a really fun box and bottle, but it doesn’t deliver above their other editions.

I’d suggest buying this one if you really love Ardbeg whisky and are looking to try every edition they offer.

Otherwise, pick yourself up a bottle of Ardbeg Corryvreckan or Ardbeg Uigeadail.

Also, the box art is pretty awesome.

Let Us Know What You Think

I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.

If you decide to give this bottle a shot, please let me know on social media via Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Thanks for reading and cheers!


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