Casks of virgin Black Sea oak from the Republic of Adygea have a powerful influence on this tumultuous free-spirited Kelpie, Ardbeg’s latest Committee Release for 2017.
Region: Islay Style: Maritime – Peaty – Herbal Class: Premium No Age Statement
Strength: 57.1%
Virtually unattainable, an upcoming version of Ardbeg Kelpie bottled at 46% is scheduled for wider but limited release in mid-May.
With a portion matured in virgin European oak from near the Black Sea, Ardbeg Kelpie is aptly named for a mythic shapeshifting aquatic nature spirit, as its unbridled flavors gallop along, ever changing around a golden heart swathed in seaweed.
“But that sinewy tendril of seaweed winding its way through the palate acts like savory herbs for the tasty elements of raw cacao, roasted coffee, maple sugars, buttery scallops, a dab of vanilla bean to go with the coconut, and a ghostly memory of smoked fish. And that scrumptious nutmeg continues to surface, along with other spices bobbing up from the deeper riptides of this compelling dram with the deceptively serene looks of a burnished sauternes lake.”