Distillery: Ardbeg Distillery
Region: Port Ellen, Islay, Scotland
Aging: No Age Statement but finished in “Fiercely Charred Ex-Bourbon Casks” which would likely be similar to level-4 Alligator level charring
ABV: 46% ABV
Proof: 92 Proof
Mash Bill: 100% Islay Single Malt
Non-Chill Filtered: Yes
MSRP Price: $120
Ardbeg Scorch Tasting Notes
Appearance: Dark Honey
Nose: Sweet caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, peat, smoke, light fruits, apricot, green apple, candied fruit, cinnamon spice
Palate: Peat, light smoke, rich caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, light fruits, cinnamon spice, light pepper, earthy
Finish: Long and oily mouthfeel that leaves you with a lovely balance of peat and caramel sweetness mixed with a toasted oak, cinnamon spice, and pepper finish
Is Ardbeg Scorch an Approachable Whisky?
Ardbeg Scorch offers a nicely balanced peaty Scotch experience while not being too hot on the palate.
The finishing in the heavily-charred ex-bourbon most certainly adds a level of rich caramel, vanilla, and oak to the traditional Ardbeg flavor profile and helps keep a nice balance of smoky and sweet.
Is Ardbeg Scorch Complex?
Ardbeg Scorch has an excellent balance of complexity and depth of flavor.
In comparison to the Ardbeg An Oa which is also finished in ex-bourbon casks, this bottle does it extremely well.
The finishing in heavily charred ex-bourbon casks does subdue the level of peat and smoke you’d normally find in a bottle of Ardbeg, but it does it in such a way that it creates a seriously unique and enjoyable pour.
The finish is also extremely nice for a 92-proof whisky.
The flavors really linger for a long time (over 60 seconds) and the depth of the finish is multi-dimensional.
What are Ardbeg Scorch’s strongest attributes/flavors?
Ardbeg Scorch’s strongest attribute is that it takes the big and bold peat and smoky flavor profile of Ardbeg and tames it down just a notch by creating a beautiful balance of sweet and savory that you won’t experience with many whiskeys.
Is Ardbeg Scorch a go-to whisky?
Ardbeg Scorch is a limited-release bottle so this is one I will be reserving for special occasions.
If I could get it on a regular basis I would most certainly drink it more often.
Is Ardbeg Scorch priced accurately to its quality?
Ardbeg Scorch does deliver on its price tag.
While it is a bit pricey at the $120 MSRP price, it does offer a unique flavor profile that you won’t find in any other bottles of Scotch whisky.
Conclusion for Ardbeg Scorch
Is this bottle better than Ardbeg Uigeadail or Ardbeg Corryvreckan which are $20-30 cheaper?
Probably not, but it is on par with them.
If you’re looking for a unique flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else, this bottle is worth buying.
If you’re already a fan of Ardbeg and have had their other bottles, I would recommend you get a bottle of Ardbeg Scorch, and can almost certainly assure you that you will enjoy it.
And if you’re not as familiar with the higher-tier Ardbeg bottles, I’d suggest going with Ardbeg Uigeadail or Corryvreckan to experience some really nicely made Peaty Scotch whisky.
Let Us Know What You Think
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Thanks for reading and cheers!
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