Released in 2016, this Committee Release of Dark Cove was matured in ex-bourbon and dark Sherry casks for The Darkest Ardbeg Ever. Whilst the colour isnt actually that dark at all, those dark casks provide plenty of oaky depth. - Master of Malt
It’s maybe more the oak than the wine that’s been playing the largest part here. I find this Dark cove more to my liking than last year’s… ach, what was the name again? - but I do prefer Uigeadail in this ‘direction’. But it’s excellent indeed.
If you're a sherry cask-finished fan, this is your holy grail. It's a big, lush sticky toffee pudding (the good kind, when the baker really knows how to make it) - butterscotch, raisins, figs, dates, almonds, cashew, cinnamon, clove, toffee and vanilla.
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House Review
Nose:
Cocoa, ashy telephone pole on fire, faint stewed fruits and some nice brine character. There is faint sweetness hidden beneath the deep layers of ashy Ardbeg smoke.
Taste:
Medium mouthfeel, no real heat. Lots of ashy, peppery peat that pairs really well with some big cocoa, toffee and honey notes. Good balance of sherry and sweetness to smoke.
Finish:
Long, sweet and ashy. Savory. Ardbegs classic smoke profile is dominant here, as well.
Overall:
This is a nice balance and the added proof really helps things along. Delicious - and thats coming from someone who likes to crap on Ardbeg.
Score:
88
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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