Scotch

Ardbeg Ardcore Review

What happens when Ardbeg crafts a single malt using heavily roasted black malt? Discover the distinctive peanut-brittle and ashy smoke profile of Ardcore.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Tasting Notes

About:

Ardbeg Ardcore is a limited-edition single malt from Islay’s Ardbeg distillery. The expression was crafted with roasted black malt, which was heavily roasted in strictly-monitored kilns at the highest temperatures to produce an intense flavour profile. Released in celebration of the distillery’s annual Ardbeg Day 2022. Non-chill filtered, and bottled at 46% ABV.
Appearance:
Pale Straw
Nose:
Aromas of dark chocolate and roasted malt alongside brittle toffee and roasted nuts with a touch of citrus. There are also notes of salty medicinal peat, with undertones of ashy smoke.
Palate:
A surprisingly creamy opening on the palate, quite a thick mouthfeel. Vanilla sweetness opens with some lemon citrus giving way to roasted peanut brittle and toasted malt accompanied by a hint of aniseed. Balanced by notes of charcoal and ashy smoke.
Finish:
A medium-long finish, with lingering roasted malt shifting to light medicinal peat, charcoal fire embers, and ashy bonfire smoke.
Comments:
A limited-edition release for Ardbeg Day 2022, the Ardbeg Ardcore expression remains fairly widely available at the time of writing despite being an older special release. I enjoyed the peanut-brittle, roasted malt and charcoal notes resulting from the black malt barley which has produced a distinctive flavour profile. There is plenty of ashy smoke, but the peat feels a little more medicinal and restrained than some Ardbeg expressions. I feel I’m closer to a score of 7.5 out of 10, but let’s be generous and award 8.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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