Ardbeg – Supernova Committee Release SN2019 (70cl, 53.8%)

Ardbeg – Supernova Committee Release SN2019 is a whisky from Ardbeg (Islay). Bottled at 53.8% 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. Supernova Committee Release SN2019: Already known for being one of the peatier Islay malts, when Ardbeg decided to experiment with upping their peating level, they needed a name that positively bristled with power. What better namesake than Supernova? One of the most powerful, stellar phenomena in the universe! Wait... wasn’t the 2015 Supernova supposed to be the final release? It was, but Ardbeg released another batch anyway? Okay. Who are we to look a gift horse in the mouth. Is this the last we’ll see of the Supernova? Time will tell.