Ardbeg Corryvreckan Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
114.2 Proof
Price Point: $85 – $95 for 750 ML
Distiller: Ardbeg Distillery Limited
Background
It’s nice when distilleries have “special” releases, that are both readily available and not outrageously expensive. Ardbeg has quite a few of these, ranging from my top-rated Uigeadail to Ardbog. While all of these are NAS (no age statement) expressions, they are all unique, tasty, and have a story behind them.
Corryvreckan is no different, and certainly a whisky I have been looking forward to trying to quite some time.
Review
The nose is unmistakably Ardbeg; harsh maritime notes with iodine and seaweed. It’s smoky and powerful, pushing you back while pulling you back in for more. I get some strong alcohol notes, almost like nail polish remover. It’s briny, salty, and peppery – truly unique to Ardbeg.
Corryvreckan is spicy, both in taste and the tingle it leaves on your tongue. It tastes very mature, with plenty of oak. It’s not sweet like Uigeadail – there’s no sherry influence. It also doesn’t seem to be refined like the standard 10 Year Old. It’s wild and untamed (as the label suggests), which is a positive and negative all at once. I’m not sure what the distiller was going for in this bottle, but I’m not sure it works for my palate.
At 57.1%, Corryvreckan dries out your mouth on the finish. It’s enduring (as all Ardbegs tend to be), with some dry caramel, along with the usual smoke and salt.
Rating & Recommendations
Ardbeg Corryvreckan earns a rating of 84 out of 100.
I’m a big fan of Ardbeg in general, and this is certainly not a bad whisky. But for the money, and given the other available choices from the same distillery, I would likely go for something else next time.
-Ryan
1 comments
Admittedly, I’m generally not a big devotee of peated Scotch, however, of the ones I’ve tried (including a few different Laphroaigs, Ardmore, Benromach, etc.), the Corryvreckan certainly impressed me. With a tsp or two of water, it still packs quite an alcohol punch with the brine and maritime saltiness coming through quite clearly. I’d rate it in the high 80s but perhaps I should try a couple of other Ardbegs to get a better perspective. In any event, the Corry is a damn fine Scotch.