ardbeg kelpie

Ardbeg Kelpie Retail Release (2017)

Today is Ardbeg Day and I have a sample of the latest Ardbeg Day Release. So I’d be a fool not to review the Ardbeg Kelpie, right?

I already posted tasting notes on the Committee Release about a month ago, so check that post for more details about the casktypes used for the Ardbeg Kelpie. The difference between the two is the alcohol percentage. But when you read my notes you’ll see that it’s more than just a watered down version of the Committee Release.

I attended the pre-launch party of the Ardbeg Kelpie in Amsterdam yesterday, which was really enjoyable. But no worries, these notes weren’t written at that event. I tasted this whisky in the comfort of my own home, which I do with all the whiskies I write tasting notes for.

Ardbeg Kelpie Retail Release (46%, OB, 2017)

Nose: Some sweet fruits like tinned pineapple, stewed apples and peaches. Soft bonfire smoke with a slight edge of chili peppers. There’s some iodine and rubber, with seaweed too, but the sweetness is the prevailing characteristic here.
Taste: A bit more polished and less big and bold than I remember the Committee Release being. Very salty, and peanuts too. So really I should say: salted peanuts 🙂 But the sweetness from the nose is noticeable here too. It’s brine-y and malty, with a nice peatiness and a hint of dark chocolate and black pepper. Lot less spicy than the Committee Release.
Finish: Peat, rubber and pepper. Finally a hint of chocolate. Medium to long.

Rating: 86

Although not by much, but I prefer this over the Committee Release. There’s more room for subtleties here, which is a plus.

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