Ardbeg Dark Cove Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The darkest Ardbeg ever?

A bold claim for the 2016 Ardbeg Day bottling, indeed following that theme the release of Ardbeg Dark Cove was plunged into darkness and launched at Ardbeg Night.

Inspired by their turbulent past, this whisky is a clandestine meeting of Ardbeg matured in ex-bourbon casks and a heart matured in dark sherry casks. Lovers of Ardbeg Uigeadail take note, this core of dark sherry (PX?) in Dark Cove will give a richness and flavour explosion you're bound to enjoy. As to whether this is the darkest Ardbeg ever, you be the judge!

Tasting note: This is the 'toned down' version bottled at a lower ABV than the 55% Committee Release. Gold with a pale straw hue. Unfolds in stages with the kind of complexity you expect from this distillery: Sweet and slightly sedate aromas conjure smoked ham and manuka honey in the opening phase followed by lanolin, lemon cough lozenge and pickled ginger. Five minutes in the glass draws out a sweet malty core as tea biscuits and oatmeal come to the fore. Light entry follows through with a juicy, oily, smoked fish, salt'n'pepper burst. Finishes dark chocolate-like with delicate peppermint and citrus notes adding tang and freshness. Genteel and drying to fade. Some tasters considered this a lighter bodied Ardbeg that pulled up shorter than expected. Tasty nonetheless. 46.5% Alc./Vol.