Ardbeg Supernova scoops top Scotch gong

The Ardbeg distillery was celebrating a unique hat-trick this week after winning top prizes in the Jim Murray Whisky Bible for the third year running.

Ardbeg Supernova – a limited 2009 release and the peatiest whisky ever bottled by the Islay distillery – was named Best Scotch Whisky of the Year and Best Single Malt Whisky of the Year by Murray.

In fact, Ardbeg Supernova scooped no fewer that four titles in the award winners in the 2010 edition.

The awards were announced in the publication of the 2010 Jim Murray Whisky Bible – widely recognised as the most authoritative guide to the world of whisky.

Jim Murray’s descriptive notes call Ardbeg Supernova “moody, atmospheric” and a “major beast”.

Ardbeg Supernova, with a peating level well in excess of 100 parts per million and bottled at 58.9% abv, was released to selected countries across the world earlier this year.

Hamish Torrie, Ardbeg brand director, said: “Jim’s accolade of identifying Supernova as the best Scotch whisky delights all of us who work on Ardbeg, especially when it is compared to such a worldwide field.

“It is a tribute to the consistency, dedication and sheer skill of the team at the distillery, and our whisky creation team, led by Dr Bill Lumsden and Rachel Barrie.

He added: “Ardbeg Supernova was a limited edition in 2009. I suppose we’ll have to consider releasing some more in 2010!”

The 7th annual edition of the Whisky Bible is available at all good book stores and whisky shops; it can also be purchased at www.whiskybible.com

Alan Lodge, 07.10.2009