Ardbeg Grooves Launch in NYC: June 2018 - in the presence of Brandon McCarron!

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.10.1″ background_image=”https://whiskey-gourmet.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/background.png”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.10.1″ background_color=”#131313″ border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#e09900″ custom_padding=”|5px||5px”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_post_title _builder_version=”3.18.2″ meta=”off” featured_image=”off” text_color=”light” title_font=”Josefin Sans||||||||” text_orientation=”center” /][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.18.2″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff”]

Every year, the Ardbeg distillery creates a new expression that is released on the “Ardbeg day”, celebrated in many countries. It happened this year on June 9th in New-York City, and the new-born baby is called Ardbeg Grooves. It is a limited release. [Please note that this article is still in the old website format and all the images and video may not display correctly. We are in the process of converting it – thank you for understanding] Brandon McCarron, the Master Distiller, with “groovy” attire. The box is already a hint of what is inside.

ONE BOX:

The color and the design of the wording on the packaging is quite unique and evokes heat and fire

If you combine 3 BOXES in a certain way, you get the full picture:

The tasting notes, as described by the master distiller, are coming loud and clear on the packaging.

TASTING NOTES ARDBEG GROOVES, 46%ABV

THE COLOR

The uniqueness doesn’t stop at the packaging level. The color is orange! As described by Brandon McLaren, the color is “Berbere, African spice blend of a reddish/orange hue” By the way, do you know Brandon McCarron’s country of citizenship? See the video: Brandon citizenship

THE MAKE

The New Make Spirit was matured in ex-red wine casks that were heavily charred, with flames directed to the staves to create uneven grooves inside the barrel. This peculiar charring was meant to create a more intense level of exchange with the wood, creating spicy notes and other aromas coming from the oak. And of course, as a base, there is the heavy peated malted barley coming from Port Ellen. Non chill-filtered

NOSE

As expected, the spices are coming heavily mixed with the smoke. As Brandon McCarron is describing it, we can feel the distant bonfire with the Cinnamon and the paprika; the seaweed and sea-spray are coming rapidly, and a bit later, some herbal and leathery notes.

PALATE

A very nice wave of smoke reminds you that this whisky is coming from Ardbeg. Butterscotch and honey melted with tar and salt, in a nice balanced way. Some orchard fruits are showing with a lightly pungent way.

FINISH

After the first sip, you may be surprised by its sharp fall, like there is no finish at all. No worries, it means there is a need for additional sips and then you get to feel the bonfire almost with the ashes, lingering with the smoke and fading out on a surprising sweetness. Now time to cheer with the Master Distiller; see that video: Slainte

Like Ardbeg? Check this link: Ardbeg Galileo

MY TAKE on ARDBEG GROOVES:

A very unique release that has gone out of stock very quickly: get your bottle if you have a chance. This release pairs quite nicely with a well-cooked pork. Celebrating with Brandon McCarron By the way, Brandon McCarron on a more traditional day is more like that: