Ardbeg’s Fèis Ìle 2024 release, Ardbeg Spectacular, is the first time in the distillery’s history that their heavily peated whisky has been matured in Port wine casks then married with a classic ex-bourbon cask.
TL;DR This expression has a combination of mint chocolate, salted caramel, and a tarry leather notes unlike other Ardbeg – it’s a circus in your mouth.
Review: Flavor Camp Team
Photo: Flavor Camp Team
Flavor Camps
Overall Rating
Total Score: 36.5/50
Aroma: 7/9
Taste: 6.5/9
Finish: 3.5/5
Distinctiveness: 4/5
Overall Drinkability/Balance: 7/9
Value for Price: 5/8
Appearance: 3.5/5
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Golden Straw / The bottle itself is classic Ardbeg with a twist. Some have said that the design reminds them of candy canes which is not the intention they're going for (nor flavor note).
- Aroma: Light, fruity & smoky. Red berries (raspberry), mint, leathery smoke, burnt cocoa and light florals (violets)
- Taste & Mouthfeel: Great smoke integration with chocolate mint, smoky leather, peaches, and a touch of cinnamon. The mouthfeel is oily and viscous, just as we'd expect from Ardbeg.
- Finish: Long with more cocoa, mint, leather and smoke.
- Distinctiveness: There's a distinctive chocolate mint note on the palate that's different than other Ardbegs.
- Overall Drinkability & Balance: While heavily peated, there's a fascinating mix of sweet, savory and smoke going on here.
Product Details
- Distiller: Ardbeg Distillery
- Type: Single Malt
- Age: No Age Statement (but 10 yr+)
- Still Type: Copper Pot Stills
- Cask Type(s): Ex-Bourbon and Port Casks (type not disclosed)
- Origin: Islay, Scotland
- Composition: 100% Malted Barley
- ABV: 46%
- # of Distillations: 2
- Price: $160ish CAD
Comments / Notes:
This is probably my favourite Committee/Feis Ile release out of the past three (Ardcore, Heavy Vapours and this) but we’re still a bigger fan of Ardbeg 10 Year which is simply perfection.
- Crushable / Daily Drinker
- Cocktail Worthy
- Special Occasion Sipper Only
- Weird & Wonderful
- Skip It
Food Pairing Recommendations: Dark Chocolate, Steak, Caramel Corn (in keeping with the circus-theme)
Cocktail Recommendations: The base (not modifier) for a boujee Penicillin