Ardbeg Ardcore Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 92 Proof (46% ABV) | 750ml

Bold, smoky, intense, and unapologetically unconventional, Ardbeg Ardcore Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a distinctive Islay expression created for Ardbeg Day 2022. Crafted with heavily roasted black malt, a first for the distillery, Ardcore pushes Ardbeg's signature peat and smoke into darker territory with flavors of charcoal, dark chocolate, peanut brittle toffee, smoked lime, aniseed, and bonfire embers. Bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) and non-chill-filtered, this limited edition delivers a powerful and adventurous whisky experience.

Key Details

Spirit Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Region: Islay, Scotland
Distillery: Ardbeg Distillery
Alcohol Content: 46% ABV (92 Proof)
Bottle Size: 750ml
Edition: Limited Edition
Production Style: Single Malt • Heavily Peated • Non-Chill-Filtered
Special Ingredient: Roasted Black Malt
Style: Smoky • Peaty • Spicy • Rich • Intense

Process & Production

Ardbeg Ardcore was created using roasted black malt, roasted to an extreme level to give the whisky an unusually dark and intense malt character. This unconventional approach was a first for Ardbeg and was designed to complement the distillery's signature heavily peated Islay style.

The resulting single malt is bottled at 46% ABV without chill filtration, preserving a fuller texture and allowing the heavily roasted malt, peat smoke, and rich flavors to remain prominent.

Appearance

Pale, translucent gold with bright highlights.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Spicy and savory with aromas of burnt toast, charcoal, chicory, coffee grounds, herbs, molasses, and sweet smoke.

Palate: Bold and fiery with cocoa powder, dark chocolate, peanut brittle toffee, smoked lime, aniseed, malty biscuit, soot, and glowing bonfire embers.

Finish: Long, sweet, smoky, and lingering with treacle toffee, soot, aniseed, and persistent peat smoke.

What Makes It Special

Ardcore stands apart from traditional Ardbeg releases through its use of extremely roasted black malt, creating a darker and more intense dimension alongside the distillery's characteristic peat smoke.

The expression was created as the 2022 Ardbeg Day limited edition, drawing inspiration from the punk-rock spirit associated with Islay's Port Ellen, which was nicknamed "Punk Ellen" during the 1970s.

Its combination of roasted malt, intense peat, dark chocolate, coffee, smoke, and spice makes it a particularly distinctive bottle for Ardbeg collectors and fans of heavily peated Scotch.

How to Enjoy

Enjoy Ardbeg Ardcore neat in a tulip-shaped whisky glass to experience its full smoky and roasted character. A few drops of water can open the whisky and reveal additional layers of citrus, herbs, coffee, and peat.

It can also be enjoyed with a single large ice cube.

Pair with dark chocolate, smoked meats, blue cheese, roasted nuts, grilled steak, barbecue, or rich chocolate desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of whisky is Ardbeg Ardcore?
It is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Islay, Scotland.

What is the alcohol content?
46% ABV (92 Proof).

What is the bottle size?
750ml.

Is Ardbeg Ardcore chill-filtered?
No. It is bottled without chill filtration.

What makes Ardcore different?
It was created using extremely roasted black malt, giving the whisky additional roasted, dark, and savory characteristics alongside Ardbeg's signature peat smoke.

What does it taste like?
Expect rich notes of charcoal, dark chocolate, cocoa, peanut brittle toffee, smoked lime, aniseed, malty biscuit, soot, and bonfire smoke.

Is Ardcore a limited edition?
Yes. The 46% ABV release was created as the 2022 Ardbeg Day limited edition.

Brand Story

Founded on the island of Islay, Ardbeg is celebrated for producing intensely peated single malt Scotch whisky with a distinctive combination of smoke, maritime character, citrus, and sweetness.

Ardcore represents one of the distillery's more experimental releases, combining Ardbeg's traditional peated character with heavily roasted black malt. Inspired by punk culture and created for Ardbeg Day 2022, the expression embraces a bold, rebellious personality while retaining the smoky complexity that defines Ardbeg.