Ardbeg whisky is known for innovation. And from the mad scientist himself, Ardbeg’s Dr. Bill Lumsden, comes the brand’s latest Committee exclusive whisky, Ardbeg Anamorphic.
Lumsden and his team crafted this expression using an experimental and highly extreme cask treatment process, called Anamorphic, noted the director of distilling and whisky creation.
For this limited-edition release, the distiller looked to push the flavor boundaries of cask charring. After removing the heads from classic Ardbeg bourbon casks, they scored them deeply to expose more wood during the toasting process.
The barrels were then charred intensely to a specification called ‘high mocha’, before being filled with Ardbeg spirit. The result is a whisky that morphs and shifts between four key elements … sweet, smoked, herbal, and spicy.
“Our high mocha toasting is what’s responsible for unlocking Ardbeg’s hidden 4D flavor,” Lumsden said. “Aromas of earthy peatiness lead into an Ardbeg from an alternate universe. Bittersweet mocha slowly emerges, while fiery chili chocolate interlocks with floral chrysanthemum and jasmine. As soon as I tasted Anamorphic, I knew the Ardbeg Committee would find it as intriguing as I did. As enigmas wrapped up in conundrums go, this whisky takes Ardbeg to a whole new level!”
Anamorphic’s packaging showcases illustrations that mirror the whisky’s tasting notes, and also features some characters from the distillery’s community woven throughout the design.
The whisky clocks in at 48.2% ABV and is only available online for Ardbeg Committee Members, with a limited number available to buy at the distillery on Islay.
For access to this bottling and more exclusive whiskies, invites to VIP events and news direct from the distillery, you can check out www.ardbeg.com.
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