Ardbeg Kelpie Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

Following on from a series of special releases for "Ardbeg Day", (2013 Ardbog, 2014 Auriverdes, 2015 Perpetuum and 2016 Dark Cove), this year's is set for official release on June 3rd. As usual, there's a cask strength Committee member exclusive bottling (only available through the distillery), as well as a lower strength (46% abv) general release for wider retail distribution.

"Kelpie" refers to a legendary sea-horse that lived in the Gulf of Corryvreckan, according to the poem by Charles Mackay, hence the Ardbeg Day launch has a maritime theme. The Melbourne event is being held at the Aquarium. As for the whisky? This is the first Ardbeg to be matured in virgin Black Sea oak which is said to impart "incredibly deep flavours". The wood which is grown and seasoned in the Adyghe Republic in Russia was sourced by Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling. In creating the Kelpie expression, he married the whisky from the virgin Black Oak barrels with traditional Ardbeg aged in ex-Bourbon barrels. The flavour profile is said to include "...oily peat, dark chocolate and smoked fish / herbal notes, hickory wood and seaweed (kelp)".

Tasting note: Bright gold. An enticing, complex bouquet of dried herbs, lanolin, cured meats, salted rice crackers and vanilla malt combine with menthol freshness. Pure and semi-sweet on entry with lots of ashy-peat. Cigar smoke and citrus are followed by hints of Fisherman's Friend. Lovely texture and integration. Aftertaste is kippery, salty, peppery and dried herb / tobacco-like. Goes down like a smokey cough lozenge. Quite delicate for Ardbeg. 46% Alc./Vol.