Whisky Woman

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ARDBEG CORRYVRECKAN REVIEW – by JOHN HANSEL of  THE MALT ADVOCATE
courtesy of ForScotchLovers.com

Powerful, muscular, well-textured, and invigorating. Even within the realm of Ardbeg,
this one stands out.

The more aggressive notes of coal tar, damp kiln, anise and smoked seaweed are
supported by an array of fruit (black raspberry, black cherry, plum),
dark chocolate, espresso, molasses, bacon fat, kalamata olive, and warming
cinnamon on the finish. Quite stunning…This is a great whisky! 

Malt Advocate magazine rating: 96

Malt Advocate “Whisky of the Year” for 2009

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DISTILLERS TASTING NOTES

Colour: Deepest amber

Aroma: Heady, intense and powerful.

With the first sniff, encounter the deep and turbulent force of Corryvreckan
as it pulls you inwards. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of
tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex.
As you succumb to its power, a collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants
and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries
and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths.

Swirl water into the glass, and observe the magical collision of whisky and water.
As the liquid warms up, the seething cauldron bubbles and bursts, as you edge
closer to sniff a pot full of gutsy cayenne-peppered steak and oysters smothered
in hot pepper sauce. Salty seasoning brings a briny character with tangy crisp
seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla,
spicy cloves and blueberries.

As the whirlpool narrows and quickens moving ever deeper,
surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce.

Taste: Plunge into the whirlpool and taste the mysterious depths of Corryvreckan.
Torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy,
bombarding the tongue with its intense tastes and textures.

The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper
sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter
a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich
melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds.
As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a
surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface.

Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry
coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories
of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.