A legendary Ardbeg, the Committee Reserve was one of the first major releases to come when the distillery returned to life in the late 90s and early 2000s— it was something of a forerunner to the Uigeadail which launched the following year in 2004. This special Committee Release contained malts from 1974 to 1999, combining and unifying the different periods of the distillery’s turbulent history at the end of the century. All that seems hard to imagine now!

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Whisky: Ardbeg Committee Reserve

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 55.3%

Cask: Oak

Age: N/A (Bottled 14 Nov. 2002)

Notes: Acrid and coastal with tarry ropes, mentholated tobacco, and a peppery brine— the essence of Ardbeg without frills. A rich smoke oscillated from winter cottage fires, coal dust, charred lemons, fennel root, and something more medicinal: sage, rosemary, and heather burnt to cleanse the air and balance the humors. Shipwrecks and bonfires on the beach— the forlorn visage of grey skies and seas. Medium-bodied, the flavors were clear and sharp with an intense brine, citrus, and medicinal herbal quality Sweet peppers and tarry ropes remained, a touch of coal soot and herbal tonics that shifted toward char and patina on a hot wok, herbal coriander, and sweet, numbing mala. The finish was long and peppery with a soft brine, beach tar, and driftwood.

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Score: 8 (87)

Mental Image: Shipwreck Pop Up Joint

Conclusion: I love a whisky that reminds me of good hawker stall food and while this did not start there, it made a long pit stop. A semi-legendary release based on reputation, price, and online sentiment, I enjoyed this a good bit and thought it wove together elements of old and modern Ardbeg in a fairly cohesive package— though it did feel rough around the edges some nights. 

The wife was less caught up by the whisky and thought it was nice, but not to her taste. She awarded it a 3/5 on her scale. She typically comes into pours totally blind, but she knew this was Ardbeg beforehand and may have judged it a bit harder— as we all do when we sit down for a distillery we count among our favorites. Overall, a good whisky, but not a thousand dollar plus bottle.