Ardbeg Feis Ile 2017-2023 Tasting Set (30ml x 7)

Ardbeg Feis Ile 2017-2023 Tasting Set (30ml x 7)

The Ardbeg Feis Ile Committee Release series is one of the most anticipated annual events in the whisky world. Each year, Ardbeg explores a specific "experiment"—whether it be unusual cask types, extreme charring, or even altering the distillation hardware—to push the boundaries of their signature peaty spirit. The Feis Ile Committee Release series ended in 2023 which sealed an Ardbeg era in this tasting set experience.

Below is the chronological breakdown of the series from 2017 to 2023.

2017: Ardbeg Kelpie

• Theme: Virgin Black Sea Oak from the Republic of Adygea.

• ABV: 51.7% (Committee Release)

Nose: Intense, oily, and herbal. Notes of seaweed and dark chocolate mix with peppery spice and smoked fish.

Palate: A massive hit of black pepper and treacle toffee. There is a distinct herbal quality—think bog myrtle and sage—wrapped in deep, earthy peat.

Finish: Long and drying with lingering notes of clove, tar, and rich coffee beans.

2018: Ardbeg Grooves

• Theme: Heavily charred "grooved" wine casks.

• ABV: 51.6% (Committee Release)

Nose: Smoked cinnamon and paprika. There is a savory sweetness reminiscent of glazed bacon and balsamic reduction alongside classic briny smoke.

Palate: Deeply smoky with a texture like velvet. Sweet notes of vanilla and pear are punctuated by campfire embers and salty popcorn.

Finish: A wonderful balance of sweet and savory; smoked sea salt and mellow chili chocolate.

2019: Ardbeg Drum

• Theme: Ex-Bourbon barrels finished in Americas Rum casks.

• ABV: 52% (Committee Release)

Nose: Surprisingly tropical. Ripe bananas, pineapple, and cocoa powder are layered over a base of smoldering peat.

Palate: A "carnival" of flavors. Dark chocolate and ginger spice transition into smoked tropical fruits and a touch of lavender.

Finish: Intense smoke returns at the end, leaving a dry, peppery trail of wood smoke and vanilla.

2020: Ardbeg Blaaack

• Theme: Finished in New Zealand Pinot Noir casks.

• ABV: 50.7% (Committee Release)

Nose: Very fruity and "purple." Tart cherries and blackcurrants mingle with soot, cedarwood, and a hint of truffle.

Palate: The wine influence is clear, offering a jammy sweetness of summer berries that competes with bitter coffee and heavy soot.

Finish: Long and warming with a dry, tannic grip from the wine wood, finishing on soot and bitter cherry.

2021: Ardbeg Scorch

• Theme: Matured in "Dragon Charred" (extremely heavy char) ex-Bourbon casks.

• ABV: 51.7% (Committee Release)

Nose: Industrial and intense. Soot, medicinal smoke, and grilled meats are balanced by sweet buttery toffee and aniseed.

Palate: An oily explosion of flavor. Liquorice, charred oak, and heavy medicinal peat dominate, with a underlying sweetness of vanilla cream.

Finish: Extremely long and ashy. It feels like licking a cold barbecue pit, softened by a touch of black liquorice.

2022: Ardbeg Ardcore

• Theme: Distilled using roasted "Black Malt" (similar to stout beer malt).

• ABV: 50.1% (Committee Release)

Nose: Dark and savory. Notes of charcoal, chicory, and roasted coffee beans. It is less "fruity" than other Ardbegs, focusing on earthy tones.

Palate: Sharp and "punk." Peppery heat leads into dark chocolate, burnt toast, and a high-pitched citrus zest that cuts through the smoke.

Finish: Salty and dry with a lingering note of hard-toffee and campfire ash.

2023: Ardbeg Heavy Vapours

• Theme: Distilled without a purifier (the device that normally adds fruity reflux).

• ABV: 50.2% (Committee Release)

Nose: Pungent and heavy. Damp moss, wet wool, and thick, greasy peat smoke. There is a lack of the usual Ardbeg citrus "lift."

Palate: Very "dirty" and earthy. Creosote, dark chocolate, and cardamom spice. The texture is heavy and brooding, emphasizing the darker side of the spirit.

Finish: Medicinal and long, with a heavy, coating ash that stays on the tongue for minutes.