Ardbeg Ardcore Committee Release
Inspired by the punk past from the 1970s, Ardbeg releases Ardcore as this year's committee release. By the way, it is said to taste "like biting a spiky ball".The releases are very polarising. Very interesting for collectors and sold out just as quickly, those who want to taste the latest Committee release often don't get their money's worth.
The panel
Mean 74.0 · spread 6
Value for money 1/5
- Distillery
- Ardbeg
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Isle of Islay
- Country
- Scotland
- Strength
- 50.1% ABV
- Character
- peaty
Tasting
Nose
At first, the smell reminds us more of a Laphroaig than an Ardbeg. We identify phenolic smoke that fades into a steam note. It reminds us of neatly burnt toast. Fighting through the smoke, an Ardbeg-typical vanilla-citrus note emerges. This is accompanied by roasted malt and ham.
Palate
The typical Ardbeg anise with a certain seawater saltiness hovers over a not-so-intense campfire ember flavour. Gradually, vanilla and chocolate fight their way to the fore. We would have expected more chocolateiness from the dark roasted barley malt. Roasted aromas are present, but rather subtle. Overall, not much, we have to say, unfortunately.
Finish
The spicy-dry finish is medium long, but that's not what we've come to expect from Ardbeg. Not very impressive.
Verdicts
Marcel
An Ardbeg that, with its punk attitude, stays rather tame – solid, but without the expected kick. Certainly interesting for collectors, but for drinkers seeking fire and drama, it’s more of a gentle breeze.
Sascha
A well-balanced Islay whisky with a clear structure, yet it lacks the complexity and intensity one expects from an Ardbeg. The price-performance ratio and flavor variety could be better.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Ardbeg as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £218 across 1,142 lots · 2024-08