Ardbeg celebrates Fèis Ìle (Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt) and Ardbeg Day with the release of its Smokiverse. This limited edition will be the distillery’s first whisky crafted from a high-gravity mash.
Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team began experimenting some years ago with the mashing process, in which malted barley is converted into fermentable sugars. One of their experiments involved reducing the amount of water used in the packed mash tun. This unconventional “high-gravity” mash magnified the intensity of flavor-active compounds known as acetate esters, leading to a fruitier, more tropical spirit.
“The first whisky we have ever made with a high-gravity mash, Ardbeg Smokiverse takes our single malt’s classic peaty character to a new frontier of flavor,” said Dr Bill Lumsden MBE, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation. “My ramping up the density of our wort to new heights, we’ve drawn in fruitier, sweeter flavors from the deepest corners of the mash tun. Upon first sip, you can expect a vibrant burst of fruity, ester notes, rather like smoked bubble gum, along with aromas of barley. Then peaty notes collide with juicy, tropical fruits, before sinking into a rich depth of muscovado sugar.”
Inspired by this high-gravity mash, Ardbeg brought to life a space-inspired universe on Ardbeg Day. Committee Members and friends experienced the world of Smokiverse via cosmic games, space-themed cocktails, whisky tastings and smoky bites.
“We’re inviting whisky fans from all corners of the world to join us – both at the Distillery, the beating heart of the Smokiverse, and beyond – to celebrate Ardbeg Day,” said Jackie Thomson, Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre Manager and Ardbeg Committee Chair. We’re thrilled to share this whisky with smoky-malt lovers everywhere and send their tastebuds into overdrive with the release of this extraordinary new expression.”
Ardbeg Smokiverse (96.6 proof) is available now for $124.99.
