ArdbegDark Cove Limited Edition
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46.5% ABV (93 proof)
~$100 (sample provided)
Intro: according to Ardbeg, this is the "darkest Ardbeg ever." It's a NAS marriage of ex-bourbon casks and dark sherry casks. Ardbeg claims "waves of treacle toffee, coal tar, squid ink, noodles and toasted coffee grounds."
Color: medium golden brown
Smell: really nice. Unsurprisingly, there is some noticeable smoke and peat reek. If that's your thing, dive right in. If it's not, stay away! Beyond that Ardbeg signature, I pick up quite a bit of seaweed, along with toasted almonds. Digging deeper, there is also some faint dark caramel/toffee sweetness.Taste: mix of toffee and seaweed on entry - surprisingly soft, sweet, and approachable at first (I was bracing myself for a smoke bomb). Subtle smokiness and sherry influence in the form of toasted almonds arrive on the midpalate, and then the finish is surprisingly short and drying, with more of the same toasted nut influence and a parting kiss of smoke. As I sit with it and keep taking sips, I notice the smoke influence building on the finish, resulting in the always-pleasing "Scotch sweats" (like meat sweats, but smokier).
Overall: For me, it's in B+/A- territory. Impeccably balanced and very smooth, but held back just slightly because it lacks a little bit of the oomph that - fairly or not - I have come to expect from Ardbeg bottlings. Specifically, I think I came into this one expecting much more sherry influence.
