Ardbeg Scorch Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

let’s begin

The much anticipated 2021 release for Ardbeg Day, Scorch is a cracking dram packed with fiery flavours and lots of character.

Ardbeg Day 2021

Every year Ardbeg Distillery on the Isle of Islay celebrate Ardbeg Day, on June 2^nd. The day is pretty significant to the distillery, where they get to dedicatea whole day to revelling in the wonderous malt that they make and all of the history that has come out of it.

Alongside Ardbeg Day, the distillery also releases a new bottling. It is released to their exclusive Committee (exclusive but anyone can join) in the months coming up to June 2^nd, and then on the day, the bottling is released for everyone to enjoy.

There have been some incredible malts released on Ardbeg Day like Ardbog or Drum, and it is always looked forward to by whisky lovers.

Ardbeg Scorch

This year, the Ardbeg Day release is titled Scorch, which should give you an inkling of what it’s all about.

Islay malts are typically known for their smoky qualities and Scorch takes that up a notch, which is saying something for Ardbeg. Matured in heavily charred ex-Bourbon casks, Scorch is all about that fiery, smoky malt.

The heavy char on the barrels alongside the peated malt makes Scorch the perfect dram for any smoke lovers. It is pungent but aromatic, making for a complex yet rich whisky.

Tasting notes for Ardbeg Scorch Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Bottle cost: £83.29

The nose opens with notes of smoke, caramel and liquorice. Spices come through, giving it a lovely warmth to complement the smoke. Charcoal, burnt wood and cloves really bring out the deeper notes here.

The palate is bold and smoky. You really can’t get away from it, nor would you want to. More caramel, brown sugar and toasted oak come through. Spices abound with the typical Islay medicinal notes of iodine and menthol. Liquorice and smoke take over.

The finish is warm and full of smoky tar.

This is not a dram for the faint hearted. If you love smoke in the whisky, Scorch will be a dream come true.

Have you experienced Ardbeg’s Scorch Single Malt Scotch Whisky? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Tags: ArdbegIslayScorchScotch WhiskySingle Malt

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.