The untamed spirit of Islay

Thursday, 19th November 2009

One of eight distilleries on the Hebridean island of Islay, Ardbeg (meaning ‘small headland’ in Gaelic) makes the peatiest whisky of them all. The house style is briny and phenolic – all tarry rope and smoked fish. However, Ardbeg is never one dimensional as the peaty thwack is balanced by sweetness and citrus.

Ardbeg is renowned within expert circles, winning numerous accolades over the years. Whisky industry insiders were not surprised to learn that an Ardbeg scooped the 2010 Scotch Whisky of the Year Award in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible for the third year in a row...

The most recent release from the distillery is Corryvreckan – an expression of Ardbeg inspired by one of the world’s largest whirlpools, which has long been celebrated in Celtic legend. The hag goddess of winter, Cailleach Bheur, uses the gulf to wash her great plaid, and this ushers in the turn of the seasons from autumn to winter; it is said the roar of the coming tempest can be heard from as far away as 20 miles, lasting for a period of three days. When she is finished with the washing, the cloth is pure white, and becomes the blanket of snow that covers the land.

At Corryvreckan, meaning ‘cauldron of the plaid’, the strong currents of the Atlantic Ocean meet mysterious, Hebridean depths resulting in turbulent waters. The ungovernable force of the racing tide meeting the immovable objects that are the islands of Jura and Scarba result in a violent maelstrom and standing waves; sailors are advised that no vessel should attempt this dangerous passage without local knowledge.

Bottled at a strength of 57.1 per cent volume and non chill-filtered, to impart full body and texture, Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a big, untamed spirit which mirrors the raw, magnetic power of the whirlpool. At the heart of Corryvreckan’s exciting and perplexing character are parcels of Ardbeg which have been slowly maturing in French oak casks on Islay since 1999; from these come the teasing, spicy and sumptuous, sweet, fruity notes.

As with the whirlpool, approach Ardbeg with respect and you will be rewarded with an uncompromising force of nature.

1 | 2 Next page