Ardbeg Supernova

At first I was not a fan of Islay Scotch and was more of a Highland, especially Glenmorangie. But I am starting to appreciate Islay more and more.

Nose: So much is going on in this one. Powerful peat and earth. Espresso. Black Pepper and Chili.

Taste: Lots of smoke. Smooth tobacco flavour. The Espresso comes back with a hint of dark chocolate.

Finish: Long, deep, and never ending.

The nose is gentler than you would expect from something labelled 'the peatiest Ardbeg ever!' Sure, the peat and smoke is the dominant feature, and its very meaty, but there is a freshness there as well, like recently cut green grass. A hint of spice to keep you interested with perhaps a just the tiniest smidge of toffee. Much more intriguing than I was expecting.

The body is thick and warm, almost luxurious, but overwhelms all parts of the mouth. The taste is spicy and grassy fresh before the smoke and peat rise gently until for a few seconds, that is all you can discern. Then it fades into a warm peppery, peat-filled gravy. Leaves you on a peat high - after drinking this, I taste peat in everything for at least a couple of hours.

The finish is long and warm, initially its spicy enough to leave your tongue tingling, but the spice fades, leaving the peat and the grassy sweetness dominating for several minutes.

While this isn't my favourite Ardbeg, I do enjoy it a lot. Not sure if it is worth the money, but while this reputed shortage of good single malt barrels (that I keep reading about) from a number of distilleries from the late 70s and 80s (which would be the premium malts now) continues, we will see more of these special bottlings from quite a few distilleries over probably the next 10 years or so. Mind you, I'm no expert , so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.

On another note, while this is a very peaty whisky, don't be put off by the 'peatiest Ardbeg ever' talk - it isn't much heavier than most Laphroig's or Lagavulins. The business about 100 parts per million of phenol made me think it would be ~way~ peatier than the 50 ppm in the standard Ardbeg, but it certainly isn't twice as peaty. Perhaps there are diminishing returns in terms of peat flavour once you start getting into the the higher peat ranges...

Also, just as a heads-up for those wanting to try this, I have come across some very different reviews of the Supernova - some people have found it to be terrible (read JohnoftheYard's review for an example). I can't taste anything of the imbalances he is talking about, and JOTY isn't the only one. It makes me think that perhaps a dud bottling got out there somehow.

Still, a good malt, and something to throw at people who are really into peat monsters - very rarely leaves them disappointed.

Nose - slight new-make spirit, but well-integrated with it. There's a huge number of Tequila-esque notes in here. Good Tequila though - Blue Agave, nothing less. Toffee crisp.

Palate - Huge. The peat attack is definitely not as aggressive as I'd expected, in fact it's rather well balanced and integrated with the rest of the palate (!). The big surprise here though is the absolutely huge fruitiness that explodes on the palate. It's tropical fruit, very zingy, tangy, fresh. Mango, Papaya, perhaps a touch of over-ripe Pineapple. The peat ducks and dives with the skill and deftness of a featherweight boxer.

Finish - The peat comes out to play again. A good deal of red chilli, the fruit from the palate recedes in favour of a barley and cocoa-rich finish. Some definite infulence here from the new French oak casks right at the end.

So much more than I was expecting. Scotch Whisky of the year, Jim?

Yep, I'd go with that.

I tried this on a recommendation at my favorite haunt, where it's not normally even on the menu. The nose is surprising light, but peaty. The body is extremely peaty, but not particularly strong.

There is a complex play of wood, peat, smoke, and perhaps nutty flavors that is very enjoyable and very easy to sip. The palate, again, is gentle and not as overwhelming as the peaty nose and body would suggest.

Compared to the Arbeg Uigeadail, for example, the taste is every bit as peaty and complex, but far lighter and far more enjoyable for sipping. It's a surprisingly sip-able scotch, and one I will definitely be ordering again.

Yeah, it is a smoky whisky. We get it. But is it really worth all the fuss? Not the best whisky in my book... just a nice whisky!

Age: 8yo

Strength: 58.9%

Nose: Sweet smokiness. Peat and heather. Syrup. With water, vanilla and damp forest aromas!

Body: Heavy.

Colour: Golden orange.

Palate: Thick, almost oily mouthfeel. Creamy. Earthy, peaty with smoky spice and honey-like sweetness. With water, more spiciness.

Finish: Tons of malt, beer-like. Peat and spice again. Intense. Goes on forever!

The Ardbeg Supernova is a complex and crackling explosion. The nose shows tar and nuts, but also honey and orange. Vinegar and pepper makes it more complex.

The body contains lot of peat. It is explosive, it crackles, once again with nuts, salt, and pepper.

The palate is long and once again complex. It feels warm and comfortable. So all in all the Ardbeg Supernova is the right stuff for a long, cold, and dark winter evening.

I'm a fan of Ardbeg and I've tasted most of the range that is generally available and like to think I know a little bit about whisky and so I know this review may seem a bit controversial.

On the nose I'm totally blown away by the spirit with a huge hit of smoke and a feeling that someone has just stuck a handful of crushed black pepper up my nose, not a pleasant experience.

The first sip of any high strength whisky can take your breath away and this was no different, massive hits of smoke, black pepper and a nasty taste of dried chilli flakes.

With water nothing really changes, I added 25% then 50% and cleared my pallet but nothing could improve the flavour I'm afraid to say.

Sadly I feel this is a bit of a "look as what we can do" drink a sort of vindaloo for whisky and whilst I no doubt will receive some criticism and possibly some questions as to my gender I feel the harsh tone is justified as I don't think there is any excuse for this kind of nonsense, by all means make peaty drinks but not so overpowering as to render your senses dead in the water.