Ardbeg – Hypernova Committee Release 2022 (70cl, 51%)

Hypernova is a 2022 Committee Release from Ardbeg, an Islay single malt bottled at 51% in a 70cl bottle. It belongs to the Supernova series and is described as the smokiest Ardbeg to date, with a phenol level of over 170 ppm. It is a deliberate push towards heavier smoke than the earlier Supernova bottlings. The nose is pale sulphur. On the palate come tar, creosote and soot, with aniseed, dark chocolate, bitter almonds and smoky lavender beneath. The finish opens with heavy smoke, then gives way to earthy roasted coffee and smoked heather.