Ardbeg Drum

Because the Grooves was such a pleasant surprise – after a few less exciting Ardbeg releases – I decided to give this new Ardbeg Day 2019 release a try: the Ardbeg Drum. Without further ado…

Surprisingly green, herbal nose on young, broken twigs, a full ashtray and lime juice. Then comes some pineapple followed by sweet and sour peat. The floral note first becomes bigger, only to be replaced with more fruit like apricots and green banana. But in all honesty: I am not impressed.

The palate is much more interesting. Nicely round and oily, honeysweet on vanilla and crystal sugar, pineapple and peach, lime and ashes. That is joined by feisty pepper, brackish water and nutmeg. Ginger and a hint of cinnamon follow. Nice smoke development, but it is not a peat bomb (nor should it be). It’s nice to find the sweet and salty notes vying for attention of your taste buds.

The finish is somewhat short with some sweet vanilla and sea salt. The smoke has long ago left the building.

Well, this is a very ordinary Ardbeg in my book. In that case, I’ll have another bottle of the Grooves (or any of the standard range for that matter). Around 135 EUR.

Find where to buy Ardbeg whisky