Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Limited Edition - Ardbeg Day 2023 Special Release

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Limited Edition is the highly anticipated Ardbeg Day 2023 special release, created through one of the distillery's most unusual experiments. For this expression, Ardbeg removed the purifier from its stills during distillation - a component traditionally responsible for creating the balance between Ardbeg's smoky and fruity characteristics. Without it, heavier vapours were allowed to rise through the spirit, resulting in a darker, more intense and robust style of Ardbeg whisky.

Matured in ex-bourbon casks and bottled without chill filtration at 46% ABV, Ardbeg Heavy Vapours showcases a bold profile where powerful smoke, tar, spice, dark chocolate, and medicinal notes take centre stage, while the usual floral and fruity characteristics are intentionally subdued.

Nose

Intense, pungent & aromatic, with a distinctive farmyard peat smoke, along with a crunchy aroma, like creosote or tarry rope. The smoke is all dominating, but has a slightly sweet edge to it, almost like dark chocolate. A splash of water opens the bouquet, with some dark chocolate cream, and a hint of smoked artichoke.

Palate

Finish

Long, smoky, bold, and warming with lingering peat, spice, dark chocolate, medicinal notes, and maritime salinity. The aftertaste lingers long and bold with an ongoing, almost anaesthetising sensation.