Ardbeg Eureka! Committee Release

If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably already know that Ardbeg is one of my favorite Islay whiskey brands. I hold such a special place for them in my heart that they were the very first distillery we visited when we traveled to Scotland. Ardbeg is an incredible brand, but lately, I’ve noticed that many of their releases either taste similar, are quite pricey, or lack that elevated experience you are expecting from a new release. I recently had the chance to sample their new release, Ardbeg Eureka! So, let’s dive in and see how this one, stacks up.

Eureka! Was launched as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee. This expression is bottled at cask strength and has been matured in a combination of PX sherry and bourbon casks.

Nose: signature Ardbeg smoke and coffee

Palate: toffee, dark fruits, chocolate and a bit nutty

Finish: lightly sweet and smoke

ABV: 52.2%

Cost: $85

Before diving into the tasting notes, we must talk about the price of this whisky. Considering it is an Ardbeg Committee Release; the price point is quite reasonable. Precious releases have often exceeded the $100 mark, and in opinion, they didn’t always justify the cost. While it’s not the most affordable Ardbeg bottle available (as you can find an Ardbeg 10 for a lower price), it is certainly a good value for an Ardbeg Committee Release.

I must admit that I truly enjoy this whisky, although I must also disclose that there hasn’t been an Ardbeg release that I haven’t liked. The addition of PX cask maturation brings forth delightful notes of dark fruits, such as cherries, along with hints of chocolate and a touch of nuttiness. The finish is slightly sweet, complemented by the signature Ardbeg smokiness. While I wouldn’t say this is whisky you need to rush out and purchase, it is undeniably a great release. It stands out as one of their better Committee Releases, which is significant because, for a while, I was concerned that they had lost their way. Happy to see they’re rediscovering their path and returning to the whisky brand we know and love.

Cheers!

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.

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