Moet Hennessy’s luxury whisky brand Ardbeg releases the latest Committee exclusive whisky – Ardberg Anamorphic. The new release Islay Single Malt Scotch whisky is crafted using an experimental and highly extreme cask treatment process from the topsy-turvy mind of Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation.
For this limited-edition release, the Distillery embarked on a bold experiment to push the flavour boundaries of cask charring. After removing the heads from classic Ardbeg bourbon casks, they scored them deeply to expose more wood during the toasting process. The barrels were then charred intensely to a specification called ‘high mocha’, before being filled with Ardbeg spirit. The result is a multidimensional dram that morphs and shifts between four key elements – the sweet, the smoked, the herbal and the spicy.
The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today, there are more than 180,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.
Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at Ardbegcommittee.com.au.
Dr Bill Lumsden said “Our high mocha toasting is what’s responsible for unlocking Ardbeg’s hidden 4D flavour. Aromas of earthy peatiness lead into an Ardbeg from an alternate universe. Bittersweet mocha slowly emerges, while fiery chilli chocolate interlocks with floral chrysanthemum and jasmine. As soon as I tasted Anamorphic, I knew the Ardbeg Committee would find it as intriguing as I did. As enigmas wrapped up in conundrums go, this whisky takes Ardbeg to a whole new level!”
Anamorphic’s eye-catching packaging showcases impossible illustrations that mirror the whisky’s tasting notes and also features some characters from the Distillery community woven throughout the design.
Bottled at 48.2% ABV, this whisky is only available online for Ardbeg Committee Members, with a very limited number available to buy at the Distillery on Islay. For access to this bottling and more exclusive whiskies, news direct from the Distillery, and information on how to join the Ardbeg Committee for free visit ardbegcommittee.com.au.
