Ardbeg – Anamorphic Committee Release 2023 (70cl, 48.2%)

Ardbeg Anamorphic is a 2023 Committee release from the Islay distillery, bottled at 48.2% in a 70cl bottle without an age statement. It is a limited edition and the latest experiment from Dr Bill Lumsden. The heads of classic ex-bourbon casks were removed and cut very deeply to expose as much wood as possible, then charred to a High Mocha level. The colour is polished bronze. The nose is earthy, dusty and slightly biscuity, with restrained sooty, tarry notes and silky vanilla; water brings out smoked vetiver, aniseed, fennel, chrysanthemum and jasmine. The palate is peppery and warming, with chilli chocolate, bittersweet mocha, briar wood, birch tar and smoked artichoke. The finish is long and strong.