Ardbeg Corryvreckan

Campfire by the Sea...

By Not Masters of Malt

May 11^th, 2021

BEHIND THE BOTTLE:

It’s time for our first scotch review and what better way to start with than something from Ardbeg Distillery! We are big fans of scotch here and one of our favorite bottles is Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Scotch whisky is such a diverse section of whisky. Each offering from the different regions of Scotland has a distinct flavor.

Ardbeg is from the Islay region of Scotland and a scotch from the Islay region is completely different from a scotch from Speyside or the Highlands. Islay scotches tend to be peatier and smokier scotches, which isn’t always for everyone, but Ardbeg Corryvreckan is such a delicious whisky, I think it could convert anyone to being a fan of what Islay scotches have to offer. Let's get into the review!

FROM THE DISTILLER...

Ardbeg's Distillery Notes:

Ardbeg Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, where only the bravest souls dare to venture. Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram. Like the whirlpool itself, Corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted! Awarded The World’s Best Single Malt in 2010 by the World Whiskies Awards.

Non chill-filtered at 57.1% ABV

REVIEW:

Nose (8/10):

Peat smoke, ash and sea brine come out of the glass strong, but once those fade away, there are sweet notes of chocolate and coffee grounds. After going back to the glass a few times, there are hints of grilled pineapple, ginger, pepper and leather. A very complex nose.

Palate (7/10):

A lot of what I get from the nose comes through on the palate. You get the typical Islay Scotch peat and smoke but with an added spicy chocolate flavor that reminds me of Mexican Hot Chocolate with candied ginger. A surprisingly dessert-y glass of whisky!

Finish (8/10):

More Mexican hot chocolate on the finish that changes into peppery bacon, cigar tobacco ash, oak and sea salt. It’s like having a fire on the beach while eating smores! Delicious.

Price (8/10):

This sells for $69.99, which is a great price for such a delicious Islay Scotch.

Aesthetics (2/5):

The green bottle and shape are kind of generic, but I will give it points for the label. Gold on black is a great color combination (our site would happily agree) and I like the design of the top of the cork.

Availability (4/5):

Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a core bottle of the Ardbeg lineup and is fairly easy to find in most well stocked liquor stores throughout Ohio.

Overall (37/50): Top Shelf

Final Verdict:

Islay scotch can be a hard whisky for people to get into since they tend to have heavily peated notes that can rub some the wrong way. I’m a big fan of Ardbeg and the Corryvreckan is my favorite in Ardbeg’s core lineup. I think this is the perfect Islay to help bourbon drinkers bridge the gap to the joys of peatier scotches. Once the smokey flavor subsides, you are treated with a very sweet and complex scotch that won’t break the bank. If you are curious about the Islay scotch scene, try this glass first and hopefully it will open your eyes to the wonderful world of peated scotch!