New Ardbeg release to make a splash

The latest release from the whisky powerhouse of Ardbeg, Corryvreckan, takes its name from the world’s second-biggest whirlpool.

The Corryvreckan whirlpool lies beside the Hebridean Isles of Islay and Jura off the West Coast of Scotland.

Celebrated in Celtic mystery and legend, Ardbeg believes “its raw, magnetic power exactly mirrors the big and untamed spirit of Ardbeg – the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay whiskies.”

Bill Lumsden, head of distilling and whisky creation, said: “Experiments initiated in 1999, and continued ever since, have created parcels of Ardbeg stock slowly maturing in French oak casks on Islay.

These are at the heart of Corryvreckan’s perplexing character, teasing spicy and sumptuous sweet fruity notes from the maturing whisky.”

Ardbeg brand director, Hamish Torrie, added: “Corryvreckan has already had a tremendous welcome from our loyal fan club, the Ardbeg Committee, in 2008, when we released 5000 preview bottles.

“Their hugely positive reaction has encouraged us to add Corryvreckan to the regular Ardbeg range.”
 
Ardbeg Corryvreckan, bottled at a strength of 57.1% ABV, will be available in Oddbins, independent retailers and specialist whisky shops, R.R.P £59.99, from 21 September.

Alan Lodge, 01.09.2009