I always thought the Ardbeg Uigeadail and Ardbeg Corryvreckan were respectively (at least partly) sherry matured and bourbon matured. Like Ardbeg’s very own yin and yang. Now that I’ve a reason to take a closer look at the Corryvreckan, it turns out there might well be some French wine-matured whisky in there.
To be honest, I’m not sure it still is the case, but at least upon launch in 2009, The Whisky Exchange Blog mentions Burgundy casks as part of the composition for the Corryvreckan. And that’s not the only source. I’ll admit to only having tasted The Corryvreckan once or twice before, but I never would’ve guessed. Either way, an interesting twist, no? (Or maybe I’m not telling you anything new at all.)
Ardbeg Corryvreckan (57.1%, OB, L59815, 2014)
Nose: Fruits and sweetness (tinned pineapple, vanilla, and strawberry) intertwined with smoke, charcoal and ashes. Also a tinge of sauerkraut.
Taste: Oily, resulting in a thick mouthfeel. Sweet peat, lots of vanilla and a good hit of ashes and tar. Rather brine-y too, with a touch of kippers. A hint of lemon and liquorice too.
Finish: Lingering smoke and ash.
Score: 87
This is sweeter than you might expect after reading my notes. Rather good stuff indeed. I certainly get why this is the favourite core range expression of my best bud, but I still prefer the Uigeadail!