The Basics:

Ardbeg Distillery

Ardbeg Day 2022 Limited Edition

92 Proof

NAS

$130 MSRP

Nose:

Sweet smoke, dark chocolate, ocean water, grilled peaches, and charcoal.

Palate:

Heavy char, burnt caramel, salt, clove, toasted cinnamon sticks, honeydew melon, and creme brûlée.

Finish:

Long finish with notes of toasted meringue, cigar ash, and peaches.

Final Thoughts:

Every year on Ardbeg Day (typically in early June), Ardbeg releases a special bottling of their whiskey in both a limited edition and committee release. The 2022 limited edition Ardcore comes in at 92 proof and features heavily roasted black malt. Before cracking open any Ardbeg, it is important to understand that this is a heavily peated whiskey in which the flavor profile focuses on the rich smoke coming from the malt drying process. There is a strong smoke/peat component to the nose, palate, and finish, however, the key is slowly sipping the whiskey to reveal the secondary fruit and spice notes underneath the more intense exterior. Right upfront, there are pleasant chocolate and grilled peaches aromas, which flow directly into the palate along with a briny sea salt note that might be influenced by the distilleries proximity to the ocean. The finish lingers on the back of your tongue with the same flavors you would get from smoking a cigar, along with another punch of peaches. Overall, this is another enjoyable release from Ardbeg that showcases the way in which peat can not only enhance a whiskey, but also complement the other flavors and aromas that develop throughout the whiskey making process.