I was under the impression that my last post was a month ago but I realize that it’s been way longer than that. Sorry for the delay, it’s been a busy two months but I am back! For today’s post I am going back to one of my favorite brands, Ardbeg.

Ardbeg’s Corryvreckan (named after the famous whirlpool north of Islay) is a no-age-statement whisky that replaced their Airigh Nam Beist in 2009. I unfortunately will not be able to compare the two as I never had the opportunity to taste the Airigh Nam Beist but I can tell you that the Corryvreckan doesn’t disappoint.

For those not familiar with the brand, Ardbeg is an Islay whisky. Most all Islay whiskies are dry and peaty. One of the common notes you get in their whiskies is peat smoke. If you are not a fan of peat or smoky whiskies then this is definitely not the whisky for you.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: salt, seaweed, smoke and chocolate
Palate: peat, pepper, smoke, cherries and seaweed
Finish: delightful burn with notes of smoke and cherries

My surprise with this whisky is that with all the different notes you are tasting at once, this whisky still ends up being extremely smooth. It’s not only smooth but complex and balanced. Every note simply compliments each other making for an absolutely good dram.

Before tasting Corryvreckan, I wondered if it was as good as the Uigeadail. The answer is no, but only ever so slightly. Uigeadail edges out Corryvreckan not only on taste but also on price.

A bottle of Corryvreckan goes around $80-$90. I know a $10 difference isn’t much of a difference, but if you want my opinion, the Uigeadail is the better of two. Don’t get me wrong, Corryvreckan is absolutely worth trying. Although it’s slightly on the higher price range for a no-age-statement, if you love Ardbeg and are a huge fan of peat and smoke notes then it’s a must try.

This whisky is surprising and beautiful all at the same time. 
I do recommend trying.

Cheers!

Related Ardbeg Links: Ardbog; Uigeadail; Ardbeg 10 year old

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.