Ardbeg Corryvreckan

Review by: TOModera

Received a sample of this elusive Scotch from glinsvad. That dude knows how to swap, gave me an Islay care package. Go buy him a chocolate bar… unless he’s lactose-intolerant, then go buy him a dram, he’s awesome.

I really enjoy Ardbeg. I can honestly say it’s my favourite Scotch maker. Wish they weren’t so expensive here in Ontario, but that’s what Scotch shopping on trips are for.

I’ve been lucky enough to try quite a few of the great, different varieties that have come out of this distillery. Except Ardbeg Corryvreckan. It’s always been one of the most elusive ones here. Until I traded with glinsvad. I am on the edge of my seat, and saved this one to try until last (others to be posted later). I couldn’t wait to post this, and thus saved it for my 40th Scotch review. Let’s dive in.

Distillery: Ardbeg Distillery.

Bottler: Distillery Bottling.

Region: Islay, Scotland.

ABV: 57.1%.

Age: Unknown

Cask type: Ex-bourbon & virgin French Limousin oak

Price: $183.95 (CAD) for 750ml… however I got mine in a swap.

Color: Lemon juice and water, 50/50

Nose: Raisins, peat, lemon, smoke, licorice (red & black), lemon drops, butterscotch, candied bacon

There’s this sweet smell at first, that draws you in, and then BAM, that great Ardbeg smokiness. It all reminded my wife and I of candied bacon. Very tasty.

Taste: Sweet basil, burn, anise, cinnamon hearts, habanero seeds, oak, pears, mace, pepper, spice cake, sour cream

There’s a lot of heat here. Not so much that it’s rough, but enough to get your attention. Very spicy. My wife had a sip and it evaporated before she could swallow (insert sex joke here). A few months ago I had a very nice Italian-inspired red wine that set my tastebuds on fire (in a good way), and this does the same thing. Very tasty.

Finish: Peat, smoked beef, lemon candy, cinnamon, orange, steak spice, rosemary, blackberry, peanuts, dry

There’s a dryness to this one, almost too dry. It’s tasty, and I’m nit picking, however I think I prefer the Oog’s finish just a little bit better. The Oog was just a little bit longer. That being said, this has a great finish.

Conclusion: This is very, very tasty. And if it wasn’t overpriced in Ontario, I’d have a bottle on hand all the time. I am so grateful to have finally tried it, and while it lost marks versus the Oog on the finish, it’s still quite amazing. I’d recommend everyone have a dram of this at some point in their life.

Final Score: 90.

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

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