Ardbeg Whisky Sample Anamorphic Committee Release 2023 (30ml, 48.2%)

Ardbeg Whisky Sample Anamorphic Committee Release 2023 (30ml, 48.2%)

The Ardbeg Anamorphic is a high-concept "Committee Release" from 2023 that pushed the boundaries of cask science. The name "Anamorphic" refers to a distorted projection or perspective—fitting, as Dr. Bill Lumsden literally distorted the flavor profile by extreme-scoring the cask heads.

By deeply scoring the wood of the barrel heads to expose more surface area before an intensive "high-toast" charring process, Ardbeg essentially "turned the distillery DNA inside out," amplifying the wood-driven spice to match the peat's intensity.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Earthy, dusty, and incredibly pungent. It opens with charred sourdough and soot, quickly followed by the aroma of bitter espresso and dark cocoa. There is a distinct "savory-sweet" tension, like black pepper-dusted fudge. As it breathes, medicinal notes of antiseptic cream and tarry rope emerge, wrapped in a cloud of woodsmoke.

Palate: The arrival is intense and "fizzy." A spicy explosion of chili flakes, ground ginger, and clove hits the tongue first—a direct result of that deep-scored wood. Beneath the spice lies a heavy, oily layer of smoked meats and balsamic glaze. The peat is "crunchy" and industrial, tasting of charcoal briquettes and salted licorice.

Finish: Long, warming, and remarkably "toasty." It leaves a lingering impression of sooty smoke, roasted coffee beans, and drying oak tannins. A final, surprising flick of sweet menthol and lime zest provides a bright lift at the very end.