By Sacha Delfosse
Ardbeg Alligator, the latest expression from the famed Islay distillery, was unveiled to local whisky aficionados in Sydney last Thursday (October 6) at a tasting session held at Elizabeth House.
The new release is a limited edition whisky, which are created annually for loyal fans of the brand.
As with the other whiskies in the Ardbeg range, it is non-chill-filtered for extra texture and mouth feel, while also retaining the peaty taste that Ardbeg is known for.
Bottled at 51.2 percent ABV, Ardbeg Alligator contains smoky barbeque flavours, with hints of cumin, chocolate and ginger.
It also carries a unique spicy bite, due to the fierce charring of the cask it undergoes.
“For me it’s a very surprisingly intense whisky, especially at 51.2 percent ABV, with lots of smoky bacon flavours and other characteristics of the Ardbeg style but very intense compared to Ardbeg 10 Year old for instance, with a beautiful sweetness of chocolate, ginger, and even creamy vanilla,” Moët Hennessy Australia brand manager, Jean Conrié, said.
As part of the event, guests had the opportunity to not only taste the new Ardbeg Alligator but all the other expressions in the range as well as some delicious Ardbeg based cocktails.
Keeping the crowd entertained, and well behaved, were several real live alligators of various sizes that guests who were brave enough could hold and pose for photos with.
Another fantastic Ardebg from the creator of all the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg whiskies, Rachel Barrie, truly Scotlands finest creator and first woman master blender.