The Ardbeg Grooves Islay single malt whisky is a limited edition release from the renowned Ardbeg distillery, which has been crafting exceptional whiskies since 1798. Known for its heavily peated Islay expressions, Ardbeg has outdone itself with Grooves, a unique offering matured in intensely charred ex-wine casks. These specially re-charred casks feature grooves in the wood, enhancing the interaction between the spirit and the cask, resulting in a richer and more complex flavor profile. Released in 2018 for Ardbeg Day at the Islay Festival of Music & Malt, this whisky embodies the free-spirited "Peat and Love" ethos of the 1960s. Boasting an ABV of 51.6% and presented in a 700 ml bottle, Ardbeg Grooves is a sensory delight. On the nose, it exudes smoky spices, distant bonfires, and sweet notes of vanilla popcorn and smoked pear. The palate follows with a charred and oaky profile, featuring flavors of smoked cinnamon, paprika, tar, sea spray, spicy cured meat, white pepper, and herbs, rounded off with a hint of matcha tea. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of smoky caramel, burnt flesh, and musty wood. While some may find it less complex than other Ardbeg offerings, Grooves makes up for it with its unique and bold character. Its combination of sweetness, saltiness, and smokiness delivers a memorable tasting experience for both Ardbeg enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Ardbeg Grooves was inspired by the "Peat and Love" vibes of the 1960s, embodying a free-spirited ethos and unique flavor profile.
The casks used for Ardbeg Grooves are heavily charred ex-wine casks, re-charred to create grooves in the wood, enhancing the interaction between the spirit and the cask.
While Ardbeg Grooves has a bold and unique flavor profile, it is accessible enough for whisky beginners to enjoy, especially those who appreciate smoky and peated whiskies.
Smoked spices, distant bonfires, vanilla popcorn, smoked pear, campfire, cold smoke, caramelized lemons, eucalyptus.
Charred oak, smoked cinnamon, paprika, tar, sea spray, spicy cured meat, white pepper, herbs, matcha tea, caramelized lemons, nutmeg, grapes, coffee beans, liquorice, sardines, olives.
Long, warming, spicy, burnt flesh, smoky caramel, musty wood, cloves, sweet oak, peated orange juice, ashen cold smoke, fruit sweetness, lemons, toffee, plastic-like, tannins, nutty.
Ardbeg Grooves is a bold and unique expression featuring a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and salty notes. Its distinctive character, enhanced by the special cask maturation process, makes it a standout offering from the Ardbeg distillery. While it may lack some complexity, its rich flavors and memorable finish make it a truly enjoyable whisky for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Ardbeg Grooves is a fascinating release that captures the spirit of experimentation and boldness. Its distinctive use of intensely charred ex-wine casks results in a rich and complex flavor profile that stands out among other Islay whiskies. Although it may not offer the limitless complexity some may seek, its unique blend of smoky, sweet, and salty notes provides a delightful tasting experience. For Ardbeg fans and those who appreciate a well-crafted peated whisky, Grooves is a must-try.
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