Ardbeg – Ardcore Committee Release 2022 (46%)

Ardbeg Ardcore is the 2022 Committee release from the Islay distillery, issued for Ardbeg Day and bottled at a committee strength of 46% ABV. It is built around extremely heavily roasted black malt, which the text describes as the most unconventional mashbill the distillery has used. The result leans towards char, savoury depth and a bitter-sweet, smoky character. The nose brings Marmite, burnt toast, chicory charcoal and coffee grounds. On the palate come cocoa powder, dark chocolate, bonfire soot, peanut brittle toffee and smoked lime, with a thick smoke. The finish is long, with treacle toffee, soot and charred malt.