Anybody know anything about this Ardbeg?

Beer and Spirits
#1

A buddy just bought this, and asked me if I knew anything about it (I don’t). Anyone tasted this or know what it’s all about?

EDIT: Sorry for the sideways orientation (apparently the orientation edit didn’t take on photobucket).

#2

Another generic Ardbeg using port ellen maltings. Similar profile to Uigeadail. Not as horrific as Galileo. Doesn’t taste anything like pre-Glenmo Ardbeg (see my previous rantings on the subject). Glenmo could piss in the fanbois’ ears, tell them it is Ardbeg, and they will all buy it. You won’t vomit if you drink it. Probably.

#3

I liked it. Granted, it’s not like the good old days, but those bottlings are crazy expensive, if you can even find them. I found Ardbog to be as good or better than Uigeadail or Corryvreckan and much better than Galileo.

[Full disclosure: I sell (and drink) Scotch, including Ardbeg]

#4

Thanks for the responses, gentlemen. [cheers.gif]

#5

Uigeadail is variable, depending on the bottling run. Some are pretty good, some are not. This Ardbog is another attempt by Glenmo to try to recreate an Ardbeg profile by cask treatment. In my opinion, Ardbog is too sherry-sweet. However, it is not cloyingly, disgustingly robitussin sweet like that crap Galileo. '90 Arigh Nam Beist is the last good Ardbeg distilled. The last real Ardbeg was distilled in '77. Fortunately, I have a pretty good supply of old Ardbeg from the '60s and '70s, which I augment with other Islays that I think are currently making better whisky. Bowmore since they fixed their problems of that ghastly perfumy aroma and taste has been on a good run. Laphroaig is making better whisky than they have in some time. I had a bottle of single-cask Kilchoman bottled for the Netherlands that was more Ardbeg-like than anything Glenmo has distilled, which gives me some hope for them. I think what Glenmo has done to Ardbeg is shameful, but the fanbois who don’t know any better think their product is great, so Glenmo has no reason to change and will keep putting out crappy whisky finished in various casks in an attempt to hide the donkey’s ears, with silly names, and in fancy packaging. They are better at marketing than they are at making whisky.