More to Enjoy
- Raided Score: 88
- Publication: Whiskey Raiders
- Excerpt: Ardcore is a fun, citrus-heavy release that packs a punch and shows Islay character can go beyond pure smoke and peat.
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- Raided Score: 90
- Publication: Drink Hacker
- Excerpt: While Ardbeg is iconically connected to peat, this expression shows what the distillery can do when its smokier qualities come from a different source. A fun change of pace from a distillery that’s always innovating.
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Raided Score is a conversion from an external site's score, to our in house uniform scoring system. Please see the FAQ for more.
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Intro:
A 2022 release from Islay distillery Ardbeg, this is the Committee Release of Ardcore, a release hell-bent on providing raw, Islay flavor. This release features "Black Malt" which is supposed to deliver unparalleled flavor. Let's dive in.
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Nose:
Expressively peaty, which is to be expected from Ardbeg. Notably, it’s wild how much cream, honey and lemon are present here. So bright, citrusy and full of acid and character.
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Taste:
Sweet honey on the palate, peppery and full of citrus once again. Light oak, great viscosity. Pleasant, fun, distinctive. Smoke, barbecue and ash permeate.
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Finish:
Long finish, full of lemon, vanilla, creamy sweetness and pepper. Peat is pleasant and contrasts nicely with the sweet, fruity character.
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Overall:
Ardbeg doesn’t always knock it out of the park with these interesting Committee and annual releases, but Ardcore is a fun, citrus-heavy release that packs a punch and shows Islay character can go beyond pure smoke and peat.
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Score:
6
- Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources