Ardbeg Fermutation Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The “happy accident” that led to this whisky was Ardbeg’s boilers breaking down. Instead of throwing out the mash until those were fixed, Dr. Bill Lumsden (the mad-scientist distiller behind Ardbeg) decided to see what would happen if they let it be. The washback lids were opened and the mash was allowed to ferment with the sea-kissed Islay air for three more weeks. To put that in perspective, Ardbeg (and most whiskies) usually ferment for 72 hours before distillation.

Once the boilers were back up and running, the whisky was distilled and then barreled in first-fill and re-fill bourbon casks. 13 years later, Dr. Bill decided it was ready and here we are.

NOSE: Ardbeg Fermutation Single Malt Scotch Whisky is fresh, floral, herbal & tart. Hints of mixed herbs and cedar wood. Very zesty, vibrant, hints of smoked orange & grapefruit, lots of menthol & peppermint

TASTE: Ardbeg Fermutation Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a lively, vibrant, sharp, ‘zingy’ texture, leading into very firm, distinctive flavors- malty/biscuit tones, aniseed, and sweet mint toffee

FINISH: Finally, a lingering, salty, firm aftertaste of mint, tar, oak tannin & leather