June 11, 2024

Ardbeg Spectacular

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.

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.

Flavor Camp Taste Profile

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)

Flavor Camp Cocktail Icons (2)


Cocktail Recommendations: The base (not modifier) for a boujee Penicillin