Whisky Review: Ardbeg Corryvreckan

Sweet from the very start with smoke and salt taking over in a very elegant flow. Light, silky mouthfeel similar to cotton candy dissolving on the tongue. Lemon cake, table salt and pepper, a slightly over-baked croissant, soy sauce, a hint of bacon. A bit fiery on the finish. There is a brassiness that wakes up the tail end of the palate and hangs on afterwards. Lingering toffee, smoke, and cinnamon sugar notes. Final Thoughts and Score: When I strip away my frustration regarding Ardbeg’s decision to package this release as the very definition of style over substance, Corryvreckan is just a fun, fun Ardbeg. It has been a divisive dram over the years, and it has certainly earned a lot of the ire on its own merits. Disregarding that, I feel that the whisky holds its own as a delicious representative of Islay peated Scotch. I would not go so far as to say it is the Ardbeg to have in your cabinet. For that honor, I would point experienced sippers toward Uigeadail. For the newbies, I would recommend Ardbeg 10 Years Old. For my own experience, Corryvreckan is the bright and punchy entry in the current Ardbeg stable. It invites the sipper to hold on for dear life, and I personally love that in a whisky. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to divorce the experience in the glass with the fluff on the box. If only the legends came peppered with facts, the entire presentation would be that much more inviting. As it stands, it is a good Ardbeg. It is not a great one.