Ardbeg Spectacular – The Scotchman Chronicle

Ardbeg distillery, true to form, surprised its fans once again at Ardbeg Day 2024 with its latest creation, Ardbeg Spectacular, just available in the Québec Province. And let me tell you, it’s a most appropriate name for this new expression.

Although Ardbeg Spectacular is a NAS (No Age Statement), which means that it is most likely a fairly young whisky, it nevertheless has a lovely richness both on the nose and on the palate. This is certainly not unrelated to the fact that the whisky was aged mainly in rare port casks (a first for Ardbeg) combined with a finish in ex-bourbon casks, giving it a very special profile.

Ardbeg Spectacular : The Tasting

Aspect

A shimmering pale yellow gold, this expression has been bottled at 46% alcohol, which seems to be the Ardbeg norm for their special releases (Ardbeg Drum, Ardbeg Heavey Vapours, Ardbeg Ardcore). The legs are fat and consistent, suggesting a fine blend.

Aroma

It’s a typical Ardbeg nose for Ardbeg Spectacular, recognizable by all. Rich and powerful, the notes of leather and damp burnt wood take up a lot of space. But if you let the liquid open up a little, you’ll detect the aromas of lavender mingling with eucalyptus.

In Mouth

The nose might suggest an attack of rare intensity on the palate, but to my great surprise, the flavours unfold gradually, following one another to create a very harmonious whole. The damp peat and charcoal smoke tastes are very present, but they gradually change to notes of ripe berries, chocolate, wet leather and a hint of salted caramel. 

The Finish

The intensity of Ardbeg Spectacular is undeniable, with its flavours stretching out on the palate and leaving an impression of having inhaled ashes from beach fires. The woody aspect also remains present for a long time, but everything blends together to create an impression of sweetness despite the explosive composition on the nose and first taste.

Who is Ardbeg Spectacular for?

If you’re a fan of the distillery, go there with your eyes closed; you won’t be disappointed. For those who don’t see the appeal of Islay distilleries (like Bruichladdich or Bowmore, for example), this is definitely not what I’d recommend to discover Ardbeg. . . You’d be better off starting with an Ardbeg An OA, which I think is much more accessible to a wider audience. But for lovers of big-peated Scotch, it’s a must!

Learn more on Ardbeg here.

Availability

• SAQ | 15384924
• LCBO | 39919