Ardbeg Drum Ardbeg Day 2019 Committee Release

Ardbeg Drum Committee Release Close-up
Rating31/40
OriginScotland, Islay, South Shore
DistilleryArdbeg
OwnerLVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton SE via Glenmorangie
SeriesArdbeg Day Committee Release
StyleSingle Malt Whisky
PeatedYes
CaskBourbon Cask Maturation, Rum Cask Finish
BottledNovember 2018
Strength52% (104 proof)
Price$145-250

Nose: Smoke drifts past freshly ground metal shavings used to season a barrel of mackerels. Right after the bottle was cracked open there was some mild sour fruit rising out of and above the smoke but that element was quickly aired out. (9/10)

Palate: A slightly bitter and tangy kernel hides out in a fluffy cloud of smoke. (7/10)

Finish: Smoke tentatively probes the back of my mouth but is too scared to jump off the ledge down into my throat even though there is a cushy pile of embers to land on at the bottom. (8/10)

Balance: Just a bit off in the middle but otherwise very nice. We have not yet returned to the level of the grand old Ardbeg Day releases such as the original Supernova or the stupendous Rollercoaster. (8/10)

Springbank Bourbon Wood, 14yo, 2002/2017

Springbank Bourbon Cask, 2002/2017, 14yo., close-up
Rating34/40
OriginScotland, Campeltown
DistillerySpringbank
DistilledNovember 2002
StyleSmall Batch Single Malt Whisky
CaskFresh and Refill Bourbon Barrels
BottledAugust 2017
Bottles9000
Strength55.8% (111.6 proof)
Price$115-150

Nose: Plums and peaches. (9/10)

Palate: Delicious alcohol-soaked peach slices served on a wooden cutting board. (9/10)

Finish: One is first left with just a few acerbic notes but then, eventually, fruity echoes rise followed by a deep warmth. This takes serious time to develop though. (9/10)

Balance: I’m dinging it on the balance because the finish sure takes some time to sort itself out. But, hoo boy, is it awesome when it finally does! (7/10)

Bruichladdich Infinity [3] Edition_3.10, 2011

Bruichladdich Infinity [3] Edition_3.10 close-up
Rating88/100
OriginScotland, Islay, Loch Indaal
DistilleryBruichladdich
OwnerRémy Cointreau
SeriesInfinity
Edition3_10
StyleSmall Batch Single Malt Whisky
PeatedYes
CaskAmerican Oak Bourbon, Syrah
BottledAugust 16th, 2011
Strength50% (100 Proof)
WhiskybaseWhiskybase
Wine SearcherWine Searcher

Nose: That Bruichladdich raw vanilla dough and peat. (90/100)

Palate: Rich and full. (90/100)

Finish: Could be a tad better. (80/100)

Balance: Lovely stuff! (90/100)