Ardbeg Feis Ile 2019 Whisky Sample Drum Committee Release (30ml, 52%)

Ardbeg Feis Ile 2019 Whisky Sample Drum Committee Release (30ml, 52%)

The Ardbeg Drum Committee Release was the limited-edition centerpiece for Ardbeg Day 2019 (Feis Ile). It marked a significant milestone for the distillery as their first-ever experiment with Caribbean Rum cask finishing. The theme for the year was "Carnival," celebrating the colorful history of Islay’s parades with a tropical, high-energy spirit.

Tasting Note

The Drum is often described as a "funky" Ardbeg, where the typically medicinal smoke is softened and brightened by sugar-cane sweetness.

Nose: It opens with a burst of smoked pineapple and ripe, mushy bananas. The classic Ardbeg profile is still there—fragrant pine resin, sea salt, and woodsmoke—but it's joined by more delicate notes of lavender, dark cocoa powder, and spiced dates. Some enthusiasts even note a nostalgic scent of "tennis balls" or rubber under the fruit.

Palate: The texture is thick and oily. The arrival is a "paradiddle" of flavors: black pepper and clove dance with rich dark chocolate and vanilla. The rum influence shines through as grilled tropical fruits (pineapple and papaya) and a sugary sweetness that tastes like toasted marshmallows or vanilla custard.

Finish: Long and intensely smoky. It leaves a lingering trail of roasted coffee liqueur, salt-crusted citrus, and a treasure trove of sweet spices like ginger and cinnamon.