Ardbeg Corryvreckan
As a permanently available Single Malt Whisky, it was considered the most intense Scotch of the Ardbeg distillery for a long time. With a quasi-barrel strength of 57.1 ABV, a pure and a slightly water-stretched tasting is compulsory.Ardbeg Corryvreckan is named after the Corryvreckan whirlpool. This legendary whirlpool forms in the strait between the Jura and the island of Scarba - so at first glance it has nothing directly to do with the island of Islay, the home of the Ardbeg distillery.
The panel
Mean 84.0 · spread 6
Value for money 3/5
- Distillery
- Ardbeg
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Isle of Islay
- Country
- Scotland
- Strength
- 57.1% ABV
- Character
- peaty
Tasting
Nose
Very powerful, we have a fir tree-like, spicy savoury scent in our nose at the first sniff. Discreet and not very intrusive, the typical Ardbeg smoke is in the background. After a while in the glass, the perceived aromas change to butter heated in the microwave, a dark, berry fruitiness and some forest honey. With a little water: the sweetish aromas take over. Clearly more vanilla and honey, but also more charcoal and smoked ham. Some sauerkraut in the background.
Palate
A fruity oil-grease-butter-flavour with sea salt and black pepper lies broadly on the tongue. Butter caramel, ash and campfire float above. At the top are citrus aromas, maybe some bergamot. With a little water: Clearly oilier and with more citrus, but still very sweet, we taste red gummy bears, blueberries and other dark fruits. In the background, clear roasted aromas and a little nut.
Finish
Deep and powerful, the exceedingly intense Ardbeg remains salty on the palate with a slight peppery spiciness. A certain tarry note resonates. With a little water: More smoke and ash.
Verdicts
Marcel
For lovers of intense flavors, the Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a true adventure, delighting with its sweet sherry notes and the characteristic Ardbeg smoke. It is powerful, smoky, and at the same time surprisingly complex – a dram that’s fun and memorable.
Sascha
The Ardbeg Corryvreckan impresses with a complex balance of intense sherry aromas, distinctive smoke, and a precise structure on the palate. The combination of fruitiness, spices, and salty seasoning is technically impressive, yet its sheer intensity means it’s not accessible to everyone.
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