Ardbeg Kelpie Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Ardbeg Kelpie Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml            ABV: 46%           Age: No Age Statement           Country: Scotland

Every year we are blessed with a limited edition bottling to celebrate a special day in our calendars, Ardbeg day! The hype starts around 2 weeks prior to the event and limited edition cask strength bottles start to do there rounds of the bars and Ardbeg Embassy’s around the world. On Ardbeg day we get to celebrate the smoky tasty goodness that is Ardbeg and realise which friends we share this intriguing taste profile with.

This years limited release has been named Kelpie, yet another Ardbeg whisky that takes its name from a mythical creature. The creature is supposed to be a kind of shape-shifter, which inhabits the Gulf of Corryvreckan.

Kelpie is a rather unique non-age statement whisky which was aged in virgin Black Sea oak casks that were crafted from wood grown in the Adyghe Republic, a part of Russia. Why, might you ask? It is said these casks impart “incredibly deep” flavours into what is put into them.

While this is the first Ardbeg to have been aged in these barrels, not all of what has gone into the final bottle, however, is this stock. What was produced from this special maturation was then married with more traditional Ardbeg, matured in ex-bourbon barrels.

Official Tasting Notes

Nose: A wonderful, intense, ‘dancing’ nose, with lots of different, intertwined aromas – powerful, oily peat, dark chocolate, smoked fish, hints of seaweed, and a curious, sharp herbal note.  Waves of spicy, black pepper.

A splash of water brings forth some classic Ardbeg notes, such as creamy coffee, smoked fudge and pine resin. Even some hints of smoked coconut.

Taste: A peppery mouthfeel is followed by a crescendo of rich flavours.  Treacle toffee, Turkish coffee, smoky bacon and lots of dark, dark chocolate.  A curious burst of peachy, estery fruit, hickory wood, clove oil and a suggestion of black olives on the aftertaste.

Finish: Seemingly lasting forever, with deep, deep, almost subterranean flavours of clove, tar and rich toffee.