New Ardbeg Hypernova Brings The Smoke In A Big Way

Ardbeg, already known for its peaty Scotch single malt whiskies, recently unveiled what it says is its smokiest expression ever.

The new Ardbeg Hypernova, according to those behind it, is described as “an evolution of the highly-popular Supernova series.” Sporting what’s described as “phenol levels in excess of 170 ppm,” one can expect this Scotch to be a peat bomb.

“Hypernova turns on the afterburners and hauls our spirit into smoky new depths,” said Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s Distillery Manager, in a prepared statement. “Highly experimental, this whisky is peaty and intense, with a taste that’s totally surreal. This spirit is not just a slice of Ardbeg history, it’s a once in a lifetime event… not to be missed!”

“This is without a doubt the smokiest Ardbeg ever,” added Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden. “We wanted to really push the boundaries this time and boldly go where Ardbeg has never ventured before. A hypernova is a collapsing star explosion so powerful it threatens the fabric of the galaxy – while I don’t think this whisky will tear a hole in space and time, it’s certainly bursting with fantastically peaty flavour.”

Ardbeg Hypernova is at this moment available exclusively to members of the Ardbeg Committee, the distillery’s fan club, online and in its Embassies. Bottled at 51% ABV, official tasting notes are below.

• COLOUR: Pale Sulphur
• NOSE: Powerful, pungent and almost brutal in its intensity, waves of tar, smoke, sea salt and an almost ‘barnyard’ aroma fill the void. Ethereal whispers of fruit, reminiscent of flowering blackcurrants, float into bold bursts of peppermint. Water releases a flurry of more rounded top notes, with a touch of lavender and a slightly chocolaty sensation, before finally arriving at curious hints of plasticine and burnt rubber.
• TASTE: An explosive, peppery mouthfeel launches the palate into a most bizarre juxtaposition of flavours – sweet chocolate, cooling mint, pungent peat smoke, bitter almonds, and then an infinitely long, lingering burst of spices like aniseed and clove.
• FINISH: Descend into a finish that collapses in on itself with enormous, heavy smoke. Before returning to earthy notes of roasted coffee and smoked heather.