Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release Single Islay Malt Whisky 51,8%

The pirate holds the bottle on this one, the original, and the version that came first of the two.

Expert Review

Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release is an Islay Single Malt Whisky matured in used rye casks and bottled at cask strength, 51.8%.

The release was created to honour outgoing Distillery Manager Mickey Heads, who left the role after 13 years at Ardbeg. This is the original Committee Release label, where the pirate on the front holds a bottle of Ardbeg in hand.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Spiced rye and peat in close interplay, with a dry sharpness from the rye casks.

Palate

Full cask strength gives an intense, spiced structure, with smoke and rye grain dominating.

Finish

Long and dry, with lasting spice and a smoky finish.

Specifications

Name: Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release
Distillery: Ardbeg
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Whisky
ABV: 51.8%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Used rye casks
Edition: Committee Release, cask strength

Flavour Profile

Smoky · Spiced · Rye-driven · Cask strength

Did You Know?

This release is the original Committee Release label, with the pirate holding a bottle of Ardbeg in hand, unlike the later French Label variant where the bottle is left out.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release

What's the difference between this release and the French Label variant?

On this original label the pirate holds a bottle of Ardbeg in hand, while the bottle is left out on the later French Label release.

Who was the release created to honour?

It was made to honour outgoing Distillery Manager Mickey Heads, who left the role after 13 years at Ardbeg.

Is Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release worth it?

As the original release in a sought-after set, at full cask strength and matured in unusual rye casks, it's attractive to any Ardbeg collector.

What do the rye casks do to the flavour?

They give a dry, spiced sharpness that sets it apart from Ardbeg's more sherry- or bourbon-led releases.

Should it be drunk neat or with water?

Try it neat first to experience the full cask strength, and add only a drop of water if the spice feels too intense.

Which glass suits it best?

A tulip-shaped whisky glass handles the high strength well and highlights the rye and spice notes.

What defines Committee Release bottlings from Ardbeg?

They're special releases reserved for members of the distillery's own fan community, often featuring unusual cask choices and limited numbers.