Islay has only 3,000 inhabitants and more than 140 committees, the largest of these being the Ardbeg Committee. With over 120,000 global members, the Ardbeg Committee serves the common purpose of celebrating Ardbeg whisky through a series of limited-edition whisky releases. Ardbeg Heavy Vapours was crafted by Dr. Bill Lumsden for 2023's annual Ardbeg Day celebrations. The single malt was produced without using a purifier on the still. Using the purifier results in a harmony of smoky and floral fruit notes, typical of Ardbeg. No purifier means a darker, untamed whisky that is pungent and bold. After being matured in ex-bourbon casks, Heavy Vapours was bottled non-chill filtered at 100.4 proof.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Peat, sweet sugar, earthy, dirt, vegetal, light fruits, and mint.
Taste: Peat, smoke, sweet sugar sweetness, vanilla, oak, light fruits, apricot, crisp apple, citrus zest, mint, chocolate, and cinnamon spice.
Finish: Smooth, rich finish with a nice oily mouthfeel – leaves you with a balanced peat and smoke finish but layered with sugar sweetness, vanilla, light fruits, hints of mint, and a lingering cinnamon pepper spice.
