Ardbeg Perpetuum Bicentenary 200th Anniversary Committee Release Feis Ile 2015 49.2% 700ml

The Ardbeg Perpetuum Bicentenary Committee Release is a special edition whisky released in 2015 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Ardbeg Distillery, located on the island of Islay. Founded in 1815 by John McDougall, this distillery has established a reputation for producing exceptionally smoky drams. Over the years, Ardbeg has faced numerous challenges, including being mothballed for most of the 1980s and undergoing multiple ownership changes. However, since Glenmorangie plc (now part of LVMH) acquired it in 1997, the distillery's fortunes have significantly improved. The Ardbeg Perpetuum Bicentenary Committee Release is a high-strength bottling at 49.2% ABV, exclusively available to committee members and could only be purchased at the distillery. This limited edition, with only 12,000 bottles produced, is a blend of both young and old whiskies that have been matured in Bourbon and Sherry casks. Known for its high quality and distinctive flavor, Ardbeg has been awarded World Whisky of the Year multiple times. The distillery continues to thrive, with plans to increase its distillation capacity by adding two more stills in 2018. This whisky offers a multifaceted experience, combining the heritage of the distillery with the innovative blending of different ages and cask types, making it a truly memorable release. Though some enthusiasts believe it doesn't surpass the "normal" Ardbeg Ten in terms of balance, others find its complexity and array of flavors fascinating and enjoyable.

FAQs

• What makes the Ardbeg Perpetuum Bicentenary Committee Release special?

  This whisky was released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Ardbeg Distillery. It is a limited edition blend of both young and old whiskies, matured in Bourbon and Sherry casks, and was exclusively available to Committee members.

• How many bottles of the Ardbeg Perpetuum Bicentenary Committee Release were produced?

  A total of 12,000 bottles were produced, making it a rare and sought-after release.

• Where can I purchase the Ardbeg Perpetuum Bicentenary Committee Release?

  This release was exclusively available to Committee members and could only be purchased at the distillery during its release period in 2015.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: Smoky, peaty, earth tones, slightly iodine, Duchess candy, herbal notes, traditional smoke, sleepers, creosote, mild cereals, light smoke, margarine, honey, vanilla, light citrus, minty notes, warm sunny caramel, fresh lime, cooled wood, ash.
• Taste: Soft, oily, spicy spices, smoked fish, salt, citrus fruits, pears, lemon smoke, slightly sour, vanilla, intense lemon, salt, dried algae, machine oil, boiling tar, chocolate, honey, herbal, leathery, black tea, oak, caramel, apple, hay, citric, tar, vanilla, oak, creamy texture, vanilla sweetness, chocolate cake, salted nuts, coffee and cream, buttery, malt, grains, sweet/sour cream, sweet veg profile, sugar-sweet Weetabix, honey, caramel, bacon, grilled, grilled bacon, sweet barley, chocolate, lightly fruity.
• Finish: Pretty short, peat smoke, bitter tones, long enough, smoked, pepper, brackish, hints of mackerel, rye bread, oak, honey, spicy spices, ashes, slightly bitter, traces of oak, lemony, milk chocolate, medium long, warm, sweet, herbal, peaty, long finish, very pleasant aftertaste, intensely spicy smoke, brine, grass, minerals, grains, nutty sweet bitterness, briny coastal breeze, residual pepper, lemon rind, sweet raisins, splintered vanilla, creamy, buttery oak.
• Overall: The Ardbeg Perpetuum Bicentenary Committee Release is a multifaceted whisky that offers a complex array of flavors and aromas. While it may not surpass the "normal" Ardbeg Ten in balance, it provides a distinctive experience with its blend of young and old whiskies matured in Bourbon and Sherry casks. The robust peaty and smoky character is complemented by subtle notes of caramel, citrus, and herbal elements, making it a memorable and enjoyable dram.

Reviewer's opinion

The Ardbeg Perpetuum Bicentenary Committee Release is a noteworthy addition to the Ardbeg lineup. While it may not be the pinnacle of Ardbeg's offerings, it provides a unique and enjoyable experience that blends the old with the new. The complexity and depth of flavors, from the smoky and peaty character to the subtle hints of citrus and caramel, make it a fascinating whisky. It is a fitting tribute to the distillery's 200-year history and a worthy collector's item for any Ardbeg enthusiast.