The year’s most noteworthy release: Ardbeg Drum is a no-age statement single malt initially aged in ex-bourbon barrels and then finished in rum casks. Like previous Fèis Ìle bottlings, Ardbeg has released two versions. This one, bottled at 52% ABV, is sold exclusively to Ardbeg Committee Members. Not surprisingly, it has great appeal to Islay…
Still on a boozy note, the annual Cairdeas (Gaelic for ‘Friendship’) is set for release. This year’s release is matured in first-fill bourbon casks before being double matured in Fino Sherry casks. In lieu of my main man, Horst Luening’s assessment, here are Canuck enthusiasts Trenny and C from a year ago. alcoholgastronomyHorst LueningIslayLaphroaigSingle malt Scotch
I own enough square footage (albeit not contiguously) of Laphroaig to build a decent sized detached house on. Last night I tried Lore for the first time and my default scepticism was immediately and absolutely blown away. This was possibly the greatest all round Islay I’ve ever had. If I were to offer an analogy…
Though very partial to the peatier Islays (Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Laphroaig) I retain a soft spot for Bowmore. The Scotch Noob articulates Bowmore 12’s character well, a drink I like to think as analogous to winter comfort food. Cheers! alcoholBoomer 12gastronomyIslaySingle malt Scotch
As ever, a most thoughtful assessment from Jason Debly. As an Islay “peathead” myself, I don’t think that this would disappoint others. Jason, I notice, has also weighed in on the recent Crown Royal kerfuffle which I mentioned here. alcoholJason DeblyjuraqualiaScotch whiskysingle malt
manwithoutqualities 