Ardbeg – Auriverdes Feis Ile 2014 (70cl, 49.9%)

Ardbeg – Auriverdes Feis Ile 2014 is a whisky from Ardbeg (Islay). Bottled at 49.9% ABV, 70cl. Since its establishment in 1815, The Ardbeg distillery has been on a tumultuous rollercoaster ride of ownership changes, closures, and reopening. Stability was only achieved relatively recently, when the ailing distillery was purchased in 1997 by industry giants, Glenmorangie. The subsequent years have seen the distillery’s popularity swell, with fans enticed by the signature style of tarry, sooty smoke, balanced against citric sweetness and an oily mouthfeel. While Ardbeg still retains its distinctive personality, it has definitely been influenced by Glenmorangie’s propensity for experimenting with cask finishing, and (dare we say it) NAS expressions. Auriverdes Feis Ile 2014: The Auriverdes was aged in special casks that had their heads removed and replaced by ones treated with a secret toasting regime. These new heads are designed to create a particular flavour profile which emphasises the notes of coffee and mocha. This spirit was then blended with ‘classic’ Ardbeg from 1st and 2nd fill Bourbon barrels. The whisky has been named for the signature colours on the Ardbeg bottle which happen to be the same as the ones on the Brazilian Flag, where the World Cup kicked off on the 12th June 2014. Please examine the images of the bottle.