‘An Ardbeg From an Alternate Universe’: Islay Scotch Whisky Distillery’s Latest Release Is the Result of ‘Highly Extreme’ Cask Treatment
Ardbeg announced the release of a new expression on Tuesday, the Ardbeg Anamorphic. This scotch whisky is the result of what the Islay-based brand refers to as a “highly extreme,” cask treatment process.
The scotch whisky was the brainchild of Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s director of distilling and whisky creation.
The casks that housed Ardbeg Anamorphic were heavily altered by the distillery. Ardbeg’s team took bourbon casks and removed the heads from them before scoring them. After the scoring process revealed exposed wood underneath, the barrels were heavily charred to a “high mocha” toast level.
“Our high mocha toasting is what’s responsible for unlocking Ardbeg’s hidden 4D flavor,” Lumsden said in a news release. “Aromas of earthy peatiness lead into an Ardbeg from an alternate universe. Bittersweet mocha slowly emerges, while fiery chili chocolate interlocks with floral chrysanthemum and jasmine. As soon as I tasted Anamorphic, I knew the Ardbeg Committee would find it intriguing as I did. As enigmas wrapped up in conundrums go, this whisky takes Ardbeg to a whole new level!”
The whisky is bottled at 48.2% ABV and is only available online for Ardbeg Committee Members. A small amount of the whisky is available for purchase in person at the Islay distillery.
In September, Ardbeg released the fifth installment in its Traigh Bahn Series. The whisky was meant to honor the Traigh Bahn Beach and hosted a summer-inspired, tropical flair. Batch 4 received a 6 at Raiders, and we’ve reviewed it here.
Ardbeg Anamorphic Tasting Notes, Via the Brand
Nose: Earthy, dusty, and biscuity on the nose with silky vanilla and restrained sooty, tarry notes. A bit of water lends the spirit a floral quality, with aromas of chrysanthemum and jasmine.
Taste: Peppery and warming with an explosion of fiery, spicy flavors. Expect chili-flavored chocolate, mocha, briarwood, birch tar, ground pepper and smoked artichokes.
Finish: Sooty and tarry, with a crescendo of rich flavors, complete with almonds and molasses.
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