Ardbeg recently launched its latest Committee exclusive whisky, Ardbeg Anamorphic. Crafted using an experimental and extreme cask treatment process, Anamorphic comes from the mind of Dr. Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation.
For this limited edition release, the distillery focused on the flavor boundaries of cask charring. After removing the heads from classic Ardbeg bourbon casks, they scored them deeply to expose more wood during the toasting process. The barrels were then charred intensely to a specification called ‘high mocha’, before being filled with whiskey. The result is a 96.4 proof dram that morphs and shifts between four key elements – the sweet, the smoked, the herbal and the spicy.
“Our high mocha toasting is what’s responsible for unlocking Ardbeg’s hidden 4D flavor. Aromas of earthy peatiness lead into an Ardbeg from an alternate universe,” said Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation. “Bittersweet mocha slowly emerges, while fiery chilli chocolate interlocks with floral chrysanthemum and jasmine. As soon as I tasted Anamorphic, I knew the Ardbeg Committee would find it as intriguing as I did. As enigmas wrapped up in conundrums go, this whisky takes Ardbeg to a whole new level!”
Anamorphic’s packaging showcases illustrations that mirror the whiskey’s tasting notes, and also features some characters from the Ardbeg community woven throughout the design.
Ardbeg Anamorphic is only available online for Ardbeg Committee Members, with a very limited number available to buy at the Distillery on Islay for $209.99.
