Ardbeg Corryvreckan goes on general release

Ardbeg, the peaty, smoky and complex Islay single malt whisky, has released a new expression – Ardbeg Corryvreckan – named after Europe’s largest, and the world’s second largest whirlpool, which lies beside the Hebridean Isles of Islay and Jura, off the west coast of Scotland.

Dr Bill Lumsden, head of distilling and whisky creation, says: “Experiments initiated in 1999, and continued ever since, have created parcels of Ardbeg stock slowly maturing in French oak casks on Islay. These are at the heart of Corryvreckan's perplexing character, teasing spicy and sumptuous sweet fruity notes from the maturing whisky.”

Ardbeg brand director, Hamish Torrie, adds: “Corryvreckan had already had a tremendous welcome from our loyal fan club, the Ardbeg Committee, in 2008, when we released 5,000 preview bottles. Their hugely positive reaction has encouraged us to add Corryvreckan to the regular Ardbeg range.”

Ardbeg Corryvreckan will be available from September 21 at an RRP £63.99. It is 57.1% abv and non chill-filtered to impart full body and texture.

Tasting notes:
Colour: deep amber.
Aroma: heady, intense and powerful. A collision of waxy dark chocolate, blackcurrants and muscovado sugar, followed by a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles. With water – cayenne peppered steak surfaces with smoky bacon, cloves and blueberries.  A heady force of treacle, menthol and chilli sauce. Taste: the first plunge is deep, peppery and chewy with crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, a mouthful of espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and star anise.
Finish: long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce – a lingering deep complexity which mirrors the magnetic power of the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool after which it is named.

About Ardbeg
Ardbeg was established in 1815 and bought in 1997 by The Glenmorangie Company, which is owned by Moët Hennessy.

The Ardbeg Committee is a group of Ardbeg fans around the world. Originally established as a forum for Ardbeg lovers to “ensure the doors of the Ardbeg Distillery never close again”, The committee now has over 49,000 members across 112 countries. Through the Committee Room on www.ardbeg.com, they can discuss the malt and share Ardbeg experiences with other, likeminded members.

1 September 2009 - Felicity Murray