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

Ardbeg Hypernova is a limited-edition Islay single malt released in 2022 for Ardbeg Committee members. At 170 ppm, it is the smokiest whisky the distillery had released to that date. It is bottled at 51% ABV in a 70cl bottle, with natural colour and without chill-filtration. The nose combines tar, smoke and sea salt with ethereal fruit, blackcurrant, peppermint and lavender. On the palate it is peppery, with sweet chocolate, cool mint, peaty smoke and almonds, while clove and aniseed lead into the finish. That finish is long and spicy, with heavy smoke, roasted coffee and lingering heather.