Ardbeg has given its flagship Ten expression an upgrade via its latest Arbeg Committee release, Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength.
The Islay Distillery crafted cask-strength edition of its 10-year-old single malt by maturing spirit at an unusually high proof in hand-selected American oak bourbon casks, including some experimental barrels unusually filled with undiluted spirit. The result is a rare edition of Ten is bottled at 122.4 proof–the highest strength of any Committee Release to date.
Fittingly, this milestone whisky is the first Committee edition unveiled during the tenure of new Co-Chairs, Master Blender Gillian MacDonald and Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven.
“This cask-strength Ardbeg Ten is a momentous celebration of our Distillery’s classic style. Created by Dr Bill and myself from casks filled with new-make spirit at a higher-than-usual strength, it has all the flavors Committee members know and love, infused with a new intensity,” said Ardbeg Master Blender Gillian MacDonald. “Those who are lucky enough to lay their hands on a bottle will find aromas of toffee, tar, with classic notes of fennel and sea spray, and sweet sooty tastes of peat moss, malt and smoked cinnamon – amplified in an unforgettable dram. Slàinte to our Committee!”
“Ardbeg Ten Cask Strength is arguably one of the most wanted Ardbegs ever. It’s fantastic to finally be sharing it with the Committee,”Ardbeg Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven added. “What a dram – a perfect balance of wood smoke, citrus sweetness and salt.”
The Committee, Ardbeg’s fan base, has been requesting for a cask-strength edition for more than 20 years. Its flagship Ten has long been revered by Committee members as the ultimate expression of the Distillery’s smoky style.
Released especially for members of the Ardbeg Committee, this cask-strength edition of Ardbeg Ten will be available online and at select retail locations for $89.99.
