I don’t feel much like commenting on Ardbeg’s hijinks, or whatever you want to call it. Some might say it’s a drive to experiment. Others are probably less kind. Instead, let’s focus on the weirdness that is Ardbeg BizarreBQ. (Even though I’m late to the party with this review.)
This Islay single malt is a collaboration between Dr Bill Lumsden (so far so good) and DJ BBQ (whose real name is Christian Stevenson). The exact nature of their partnership is unclear, but together they’ve come up with a “whisky [that] captures and complements the flavours of smoky barbeque.”
But how, you might wonder? The recipe for Ardbeg BizarreBQ is made up of double-charred oak casks, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and the distillery’s “unique BBQ casks that have been extra-charred on an old-fashioned brazier.” That sounds intense.
Ardbeg BizarreBQ was released over a year ago, but is still available on the distillery website.
Ardbeg BizarreBQ (50.9%, OB, 2023)
Nose: Hints of dark caramel, charcoal and brown stock. Also hints of honey and maple syrup. There are slivers of orange peel, some strong breakfast tea and toffee, quickly followed by teak, an English-style bitter and bacon.
Taste: Heaps of charcoal, a good amount of black pepper and some delicate tangerines. There’s a fair bit of brine, burnt caramel and honey. Finally some bacon (again), and even ristretto, but I’d rather not mix one of those with Ardbeg.
Finish: Medium length. Soot, charcoal, dry. But also a lingering sweetness.
Photo: Whiskybase
