Ardbeg Set To Release An Ardbeg Day Rum Cask Finished Scotch

Scotland’s Ardbeg distillery, as a celebration of its fan base each year, holds a special around the world Ardbeg Day that ties together a series of localized celebrations with one very massive party at its Islay-based facility. For this year, the date is June 1, and the theme looks to be a bit of a Caribbean twist, and to that end an accompanying single malt is getting a tropical influence of sorts as well.

The new Ardbeg Drum, according to those behind it, is a non-age statement Scotch whisky that, after initially being aged in ex-bourbon barrels, is then finished for “awhile” in ex-rum casks sourced from somewhere in the Americas.

“We’re delighted to introduce Ardbeg Drum – a celebration of all of the mixed up, mashed up influences that make Ardbeg, Ardbeg,” said Ardbeg distillery manager Mickey Heads in a prepared statement. “In Ardbeg Drum, a multitude of complex flavours parade across the palate – fragrant pine resin and woodsmoke dance alongside ripe banana and pineapple. Then lavender, liquorice and vanilla strut into a long, smoky finish.”

Ardbeg Drum is non chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV. It set to price around $110 for general release (the Committee version being around $120). You’ll find some official tasting notes below for your consideration for this dark gold colored whisky.

• Nose: In Drum, fragrant pine resin and woodsmoke dance alongside ripe banana and pineapple in a downright wondrous paradiddle of aromas, before parading into smoked apples and dry cocoa powder. Distant ginger, spiced dates and cinnamon sway into floating notes of lavender.
• Taste: On the palate, waves of smoke, tar and creosote cascade into a dry peppery mouthfeel. Clove, liquorice and ginger strut towards rich notes of dark chocolate and smoked vanilla.
• Finish: Intense smoke, roasted coffee liqueur and a treasure trove of sweet spices come together in one deliciously complex crescendo.