Ardbeg Hypernova Committee Release
70cl / 51%
£199.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
Tasting Notes
Peat Smoke, Honey BBQ, Vanilla and Tar
Grapefruit, Ash, Peat Smoke, and Honey
Long Finish, Honey, Melted Butter, and Peat Smoke
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The definitive expression of extreme peat, Hypernova is the smokiest bottling ever released by the Islay distillery.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Ardbeg Distillery / Distillery Bottling / Scotland, Islay |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Limited Edition (Committee Release) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | Not stated by the producer (Est. 10 Years) / Not Vintage Specific / 2022 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 51.0% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Not stated by the producer (Heavily peated malt, likely ex-bourbon) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (Assumed Natural Colour) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Yes |
| Cask Strength | No (Reduced from Cask Strength to 51.0% ABV) |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer (Limited Committee Release) |
| Intended channel | Ardbeg Committee Members Exclusive |
| Packaging | Standard Ardbeg 70cl bottle, specific HN2022 tube/box design |
| Notes on discrepancies | Age is not officially stated, but generally inferred to be similar to other Supernova releases. The term 'smokiest' is a distillery claim referring to an exceptionally high Peat Parts Per Million (PPM) content. |
Historical Context
The Ardbeg Hypernova, released exclusively to Ardbeg Committee members in October 2022, is positioned as the absolute pinnacle of the distillery’s Supernova series. The Hypernova is explicitly marketed as "A dimension beyond the Supernovas that came before it" and "the smokiest Ardbeg ever to mature into existence".
This release represents a significant technical statement by the distillery, confirming its willingness to push malting specifications to unprecedented levels. This intensity, described as a "brutally smoky dram that radiates flavour" and a "truly cataclysmic event", confirms a deliberate targeting of the most dedicated peat fanatics. The Hypernova's flavour profile includes highly industrial and chemical notes, such as tar, creosote, and burnt rubber, which are characteristic of extremely high Peat Parts Per Million (PPM) concentrations. This high-risk, high-reward approach to flavour development solidifies Ardbeg’s market reputation as the master of intense Islay smoke.
As a Committee-only bottling, its primary function is to reward Ardbeg’s dedicated followers with an expression considered too extreme or niche for a wider, general market release. This strategy reinforces the brand's cult status and maintains exclusivity among its core consumer base.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The Hypernova is bottled at a specific strength of 51.0% ABV. This is a controlled reduction from cask strength, a key technical detail that differentiates it from previous Supernova releases. The choice of 51.0% ABV suggests a flavour optimization point, ensuring maximum flavour impact while managing the high alcoholic burn. The whisky is explicitly stated to be Non-Chill-Filtered (NCF) at 51.0% ABV, a crucial attribute for retaining the natural oils and texture that enhance the mouthfeel of heavily peated whiskies.
As a Committee-only bottling (HN2022), this 51.0% ABV specification is the sole official variant available.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 51.0% | 70cl | Committee Exclusive | Extreme peat expression, Non-Chill-Filtered | Highest (Sole official bottling) |
| Varies (Typically higher) | 70cl | Committee/General Release | Varies (Age, Cask focus) | High (Varies by vintage and release format) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authenticity relies on verifying the "Committee Release" marking and the specific HN2022 coding on the packaging. The bottle is a standard 70cl format.2 Due to its status as a premium collector's item and its recent release date, collectors demand pristine presentation, including the original presentation tube or box. Potential buyers must ensure the explicit 51.0% ABV is verified on the label, as this specific strength is the technical differentiator for the Hypernova.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The explicit confirmation of Non-Chill-Filtered status at 51.0% ABV is critical technical information, assuring that the complex flavour compounds derived from the extreme peat levels are retained in the spirit. The marketing claim of being the "smokiest Ardbeg ever" is understood by the market to signify an unprecedentedly high Peat Parts Per Million (PPM) value.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The flavour profile of Hypernova is characterized by aggressive intensity and complexity, driven by the extreme phenolic content.
Nose: The aroma is overwhelmingly dominated by powerful notes of tar, creosote, and heavy soot. These industrial tones are layered with ethereal whispers of aniseed, along with subtle vegetal elements (green pepper), hints of light citrus, and a background of dark chocolate.
Palate: The delivery is powerful, featuring core flavours of intense smoke, tar, leather, and match sulfur. The profile tumbles into more curious notes, including bitter almonds, smoked lavender, plasticine, and burnt rubber.3
Finish: The finish is described dramatically as collapsing in on itself, highly indicative of immense, residual smoke density.4 The conclusion is exceptionally long, marked by lingering notes of ash and profound bitter complexity.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The Original RRP (GBP) upon the 2022 release varied across channels, ranging from approximately GBP 155.00 to GBP 179.95. Current secondary retail listings show a very wide spread, starting near the original RRP but extending sharply up to GBP 299.95 at some specialist retailers. This disparity reflects speculative markups applied after the initial limited release. Analysis of recent auction performance reveals a price correction, with winning hammer bids typically ranging from GBP 100.0 (low) to GBP 140.0 (high). The majority of sales cluster around GBP 110–GBP 120.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Initial Retail RRP (Est.) | Oct 2022 | 70cl / 51% | 155.00 | Lowest identified initial UK retail price |
| Retailer Listing (High) | 2024 | 70cl / 51% | 299.95 | High end, speculative specialist retail mark-up |
| Auction (Hammer) | Sept 2024 | 70cl / 51% | 140.0 | Recent highest hammer price observed |
| Auction (Hammer) | Aug 2024 | 70cl / 51% | 100.0 | Recent lowest hammer price observed |
Pricing stratification: The significant divergence between high retail prices and lower auction hammer prices indicates that initial investor excitement has cooled, allowing the secondary market to establish a more stable, realistic acquisition value. The high volume of trading at auction confirms high liquidity.
Liquidity & sourcing note: High velocity is expected on the secondary market. Target auction acquisition should be approximately GBP 110–GBP 125 to secure a competitive retail margin.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Ardbeg Distillery, located on the Isle of Islay, is globally recognized for producing single malts with immense peated character. The Ardbeg Committee is a dedicated global community that receives access to exclusive, experimental, and archive expressions, maintaining the brand’s cult status and ensuring that limited releases remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Acquisition should focus on the 70cl, 51.0% ABV, HN2022* Committee Release. Optimal acquisition strategy utilizes auction channels.
Red flags to avoid: Buyers must ensure the packaging clearly states "Committee Release." Any claims of a general release variant or a bottle with a differing ABV are fraudulent.
Condition thresholds: Pristine presentation, including the original presentation tube or box, is essential due to the newness of the release and its high collectability.
Margin/velocity expectations: High velocity is expected on the secondary market. Target auction acquisition should be approximately GBP 110–GBP 125 to secure a competitive retail margin when pricing bottles above the established high hammer price.
