A few of the Ardbeg Smoketrails series have crossed my path so far. I believe the Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition will be the third one reviewed on Words of Whisky. This latest single malt Scotch whisky from Ardbeg matured partially in red wine casks from… Well, that’s kind of obvious, no?
Although Ardbeg Smoketrails is the distillery’s Travel Retail series, the whiskies are available at countless regular whisky retailers. The concept is not exactly fresh – they attempt to explore how different casks impact the signature Ardbeg style – but then you don’t need to be super original when selling to wary travelers in the airport.
For the first edition Ardbeg sourced ex-Manzanilla casks from Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Spain. The second release focused on the influence of Côte-Rôtie wine casks. I would’ve hoped the third installment was going to showcase something wholly new, instead the Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition also matured in ex-red wine casks. Sure, they’re from a different part of the globe, but I feel they could’ve come up with something more unique.
Ardbeg Smoketrails Napa Valley Edition (46%, OB, Batch US/NV: 2024/03-ST)
Nose: Ashy, slightly dusty and with slivers of tutti frutti and teak wood, as well as damp moss, lemon peel and tar. Then some blackberries and corn syrup, as well as some light vegetal and coastal touches.
Taste: Slightly cloying, and ashy again. Some fruity albeit vinous touches (strawberry, raspberry). Hints of honey while also being slightly herbacious, earthy and subtly medicinal.
Finish: Medium length. Slightly tannic, whispers of cranberries, oats.
