The 2020 annual release from Ardbeg, "Blaaack" refers to sheep, specifically the 7:1 ratio of sheep to people in New Zealand - where the red wine (Pinot Noir) casks used to finish this whisky came from. This is the general release, bottled at 46% and matured in ex-bourbon, finished in red wine.
Nose: Insanely enticing. Deep smoke, deep peat, deep maritime notes meld perfectly with old red wine notes: light red grapes, dark red grapes, a cider-esque vinegar note, and deep red fruit. Deep as an old well. This is a really beautiful nose, one of the best integrated I've ever come across. Huge win. Grilled meat (ribs!) and red jelly for days. Thick coal dust and tar. Among my favorite noses ever. Beautiful.
Mouthfeel: Oily, thick.
Palate: Exceptionally rich and powerful. Peat and smoke pour forth and combine with the rich, rich red wine of the nose... when the smoke recedes, the wine takes over. It's delectable, like nectar. Jam and jelly, smoked heavily! Bacon and ribs! More coal and tar transform into espresso and baker's chocolate.
Finish: Not super long - oak wood and smoke fade out fairly quickly, with stone fruit underneath both. Delicious finish.
Verdict: I'm going to go out on a limb and say this is my favorite expression of Ardbeg, ever. It's thick, it's deep, it's smoky and fruity, it's glazed meat, it's ... incredible. No wonder this is selling out everywhere. Better than Uigeadail or Corryveckan, this is top territory. Amazing.
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