Ardbeg Perpetuum

This very fine dram was released at Ardbeg’s Open Day in May at Feis Ile 2015.

It is available from Whisky Please right now and is limited to one bottle per customer, such is the demand for this great Ardbeg. We want to help as many as possible to savour this newly released expression.

Ardbeg Perpetuum celebrates the Ardbeg Distillery’s 200th anniversary and “doffs its cap” to the many styles, tastes, turns and themes that have epitomised Ardbeg’s expressions over the past 200 years. It really is a very good dram, following close on the heels of last year’s Ardbeg Auriverdes.

Ardbeg Perpetuum has been skilfully created using some well aged Ardbeg melded with some other, younger expressions. The make up of this Ardbeg Perpetuum is from a plethora of casks and barrels that are distinctly “Ardbeg”. The smoothness of Bourbon barrels, the robust notes of spice from Sherry casks and more than a smattering of Ardbeg from refill barrels make up the flavour of this terrific dram.

The deep amber colour really invites a taste.

The nose is typically Ardbeg with notes of tar, soot and pine resin. It is enticing and leads into notes of dark chocolate, treacle toffee, coffee grinds and a distant note of charred oak.
The addition of water releases a rush of fresh sea spray with a hint of salt and notes of linseed oil. A robust nose as expected from such a peaty dram.

The palate doesn’t disappoint. There is intense peat, smoked bacon, cinnamon and nutmeg. This is followed by a creamy, sweet vanilla note, which the teases the palate.

The finish is typical of Ardbeg and very pleasing; it rewards and feels never ending with notes of sherry, some creosote and tar.

Ardbeg Perpetuum is a worthy dram to celebrate 200 years of one of Islay’s greatest distilleries.