Ardbeg Kelpie Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Difford's Guide

alc./vol: 46%

Proof: 92°

Vintage: Non-vintage

Aged: No age statement

Product of: Product of United Kingdom United Kingdom

Ardbeg Kelpie is a limited-edition bottling to celebrate Ardbeg Day 2017 [held annually on the final Saturday of the Islay Festival of Malt & Music]. It is the Ardbeg’s “first whisky with a heart matured in virgin oak from the Black Sea coast.” This is blended with malt matured in ex-bourbon casks.

To quote from the press release which admirably explains this malt’s DNA, “Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks, in his continuing search for intriguing casks, was inspired by the depth of flavour imparted by the Black Sea casks. Grown and seasoned in the Adyghe Republic, which leads down to the Black Sea coast, these casks impart incredibly deep flavours. The whisky was then married with hallmark Ardbeg, matured in ex-bourbon barrels, to amplify Ardbeg’s characteristic style and create a whisky of incredible depth.”

Ardbeg Kelpie will be released on Ardbeg Day (3rd June 2017) at the distillery and from 17th June will be available from specialists with RRP of £98.00.

Ardbeg Kelpie is non-chill filtered.

Review and Tasting


Sampled on 02/06/2017

Appearance:

Clear, pale-mid golden amber.

Aroma:

Pungent salty seaweed, lightly smoky peat, bready cereal and black pepper with vegetal, dark chocolate and faint glue/silicone mastic. More earthy, tobacco leaf and ashtray with water.

Taste:

Intensely flavoured with salt and black pepper, vegetal seaweed, hickory wood smoke and crispy bacon with clove, chocolate and tar. Go easy with the water as thins this malt’s lusciousness.

Aftertaste:

Salt, clove and tar with black pepper spiced tingle.

Overall:

A huge, characterful Islay malt with black pepper spiced peat, salty seaweed, wisps of smoke, clove, chocolate and tar.

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Product Information

Closure: Natural cork stopper

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