Ardbeg Grooves, 46%

Review #669

This is the 2018 Ardbeg Day release. Some of the casks used in this is heavily charred ex-wine casks. Meaty peat and ashes in the smell. Dry earthy notes mixed with vanilla. Everything you would expect from an Ardbeg.

Salted caramel and peat in the taste. Old oak and some oak spices. Loads of vanilla and hints of dried fruits like raisins. Sweet raisins. The finish is dry and a mix of oak (burned oak), smoke and dirt comes forward.

A fine whisky, and a nice addition to the Ardbeg expressions. However, at the price, I would probably choose the cheaper core range expressions as they have at least as much to offer. But if you are looking for something new, I can easily recommend this. I will give this 89/100 (22/22/23/22).