Review: Ardbeg 10 Years Old Cask Strength

Ardbeg Committee releases are usually very involved whiskies showcasing unique production methods and exotic maturations paired with an elaborate backstory. For this latest limited edition, however, the iconic Islay distillery is getting back to basics, delivering a cask strength version of their classic 10-year-old single malt. And, apparently, it’s not for the first time. After a very limited release in 2003 (available in Japan only), long-time Ardbeg fans have been clamoring for another round, and the distillery higher ups finally obliged.

The standard cask strength treatment would probably have sufficed, but this is more than just that. Ardbeg’s whisky wizards, Dr. Bill Lumsden, Master Blender Gillian MacDonald and new Distillery Manager Bryony McNiven, reportedly hand-selected choice American oak bourbon casks including some experimental barrels filled with undiluted spirit at an “unusually” high abv, resulting in the highest bottling strength of any Ardbeg Committee release to date. The distillery doesn’t get into the specifics of these experimental barrels, but Ardbeg typically fills its casks with spirit at or near the industry standard of 63.5%. 70% is a common ceiling, so presumably we’re talking a spirit strength somewhere in that range. Let’s see what that extra octane has done to this smoky classic.

Ardbeg 10 Years Old Cask Strength Review

On the nose, this single malt sings at full volume with all the Ardbeg hallmarks. It begins smoky and meaty with notes of creosote, sea salt, burnt coffee, and mesquite ash fresh from a long barbecue. A lacing of grilled lime adds brightness. As things open in the glass, that subtle, citrus zing nicely complements sweeter notes of dark caramel, toasted sugar, and split vanilla bean and eventually finds harmony with the more savory top notes of seaside bonfire and coffee roaster. It’s classic Ardbeg but with a touch more richness and complexity.

The palate continues the trend, delivering more of those familiar Ardbeg elements but with added depth and intensity. For the beefiest Committee release to date, it’s surprisingly approachable with a round, oily mouthfeel and a gentle, peppery warmth that simmers evenly across the sip. There’s nothing overly surprising on the flavor front, but what really stands out is just how sweet and fruity it is compared to its standard proof brother. Ardbeg 10 has always delivered a unique citrus dimension with lime zest and flamed orange peel notes, so much so that it works great in a whisky sour cocktail (thanks for the recommendation, Dr. Bill). At cask strength, that fruit is even more pronounced with big notes of limeade and lemon merengue pie. That’s not to say the smoke takes a back seat here. Thick plumes of campfire and pit roasted BBQ are woven throughout, reinforced with notes of charcoal briquettes, camphor, and a little olive brine.

All of those flavors coalesce and build with cask strength vigor into the finish, eroding into a long, warm fadeout of lavender, licorice, candle smoke, and crispy ginger snap cookies. Despite the healthy proof to contend with, it’s nuanced and engaging and just as balanced as the classic 10-year-old. Those fans of the 2003 release were right to pine for a sequel. And at under $100, it’s pretty much a no-brainer.

123.4 proof.

A / $90

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