Ardbeg Feis Ile 2023 Whisky Sample Heavy Vapours Committee Release (30ml, 50.2%)

Ardbeg Feis Ile 2023 Whisky Sample Heavy Vapours Committee Release (30ml, 50.2%)

Ardbeg removed the purifier from the spirit still during distillation for making this expression.

The purifier usually gives Ardbeg its signature floral/fruity balance by catching heavy vapours and sending them back for re-distillation. Without it, those untamed heavy oils and phenols went straight into the condenser and, eventually, your glass.

Can you tell the difference between an Ardbeg spirit with and without using a purifier?

Tasting Note

Nose: It smells "industrial" and remarkably raw. There is an immediate hit of tarry rope, creosote, and wet soil. Unlike the usual Ardbeg "citrus and pine," this is earthy and farmyard-leaning. You’ll find notes of smoked artichoke, dark chocolate, and a sharp, antiseptic medicinal edge.

Palate: The texture is notably viscous—it feels "heavy" on the tongue. The flavor profile is a bit of a departure: instead of bright lemon, you get bitter coffee grits, cardamom, and eucalyptus. It’s a "darker" experience, with layers of aniseed, coal dust, and a curious, savory meatiness.

Finish: Long and bold, leaving a sensation that many describe as almost numbing or anaesthetizing. It fades out with lingering notes of peppermint lozenges, soot, and bitter cocoa.