Ardbeg
Corryvreckan
- 57.1
- 70cl
- Taste: 4
- Islay
The current Ardbeg distillery on Islay dates back to 1815 but there have been records of legal distilleries on the same site since 1794. Ardbeg was closed in the 1980’s when it belonged to Allied Domecq, who also owned Laphroaig. In 1990 they started to run the distillery for a few months each year to get filling for the blend Ballantines. In 1997 the distillery was sold to the Glenmorangie...
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The current Ardbeg distillery on Islay dates back to 1815 but there have been records of legal distilleries on the same site since 1794. Ardbeg was closed in the 1980’s when it belonged to Allied Domecq, who also owned Laphroaig. In 1990 they started to run the distillery for a few months each year to get filling for the blend Ballantines. In 1997 the distillery was sold to the Glenmorangie Company who, after updating the distillery, fully reopened it the following year. Moet Hennessy brought the whole company in 2004, and built a new still house in 2019, which is now running to capacity of 2.1 million litres of alcohol per year.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay. Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram.
Official Tasting Notes
Aroma - Torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rise. A collision of dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell. Plump cherries and earthy pine needles leap from its depths. In addition to salty seasoning comes a briny character. Tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries.
Taste - Deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue. The first plunge certainly brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with crispy seaweed. A mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits and almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate, before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets.
Finish - Long, deep and powerful. With black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay. Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram.
Official Tasting Notes
Aroma - Torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rise. A collision of dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell. Plump cherries and earthy pine needles leap from its depths. In addition to salty seasoning comes a briny character. Tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries.
Taste - Deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue. The first plunge certainly brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with crispy seaweed. A mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits and almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate, before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets.
Finish - Long, deep and powerful. With black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig