Ardbeg Whisky Sample Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release 2020 (30ml, 51.8%)

Ardbeg Whisky Sample Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release 2020 (30ml, 51.8%)

Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg! is a high-spirited "farewell" bottling released in late 2020 to celebrate the retirement of the legendary Distillery Manager, Mickey Heads. In a fun nod to Mickey’s love of the sea, the distillery went for a full pirate-themed label and—more importantly—a rare maturation choice for Ardbeg: Ex-Rye Whiskey casks.

The use of Rye casks from the United States introduces a spicy, herbal "zing" that interacts with Ardbeg’s peat in a way that is vastly different from their usual Bourbon or Sherry releases.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A lively and aromatic "spice-box." It opens with the scent of smoked bananas and grilled pineapple, followed by a sharp, herbal kick of green bell pepper and caraway seeds (the classic Rye influence). The peat is "green" and grassy—like burning seaweed on a damp beach. As it sits, softer notes of vanilla, lime zest, and a hint of peppermintemerge.

Palate: The arrival is oily and surprisingly peppery. A wave of chili flakes and ginger crashes against a base of creamy vanilla custard. The mid-palate reveals the "Rye" heart: cloves, aniseed, and rye bread dipped in honey. The smoke is integrated but persistent, tasting of charred driftwood and smoked lemons.

Finish: Long, warming, and "zesty." The Rye spice lingers on the tip of the tongue with a cinnamon tingle, while the smoke turns into a sweet, ashy afterglow. A final maritime note of brine and smoked salmon provides a true Islay farewell.

Why it's special

The Rye Cask Experiment: Ardbeg rarely uses 100% Rye maturation. This bottle is the best way to see how the "spicy grain" profile of Rye can cut through heavy peat—it’s a much more "vertical" and spicy dram than the "horizontal" and sweet Uigeadail.