Ardbeg - the Islay-gator's tale |
| Written by Carol Emmas |
| Friday, 22 July 2011 12:08 |
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The Ardbeg Alligator (rrp £55.00, 51.2% abv) is the latest result of years of experimentation headed by Glenmorangie's, head of distilling, Dr Bill Lumsden and team.
Alligator charring is a well known term to describe the method of charring the inside of the oak casks before they are filled - with spirit with the burnt wood staves taking on the appearance of an alligator's scales, hence the name.
The result, is a spectrum of smoky, charcoal, barbecue flavours which apparently beautifully enhance the complex peaty and distinctively herbal characteristics of the hallmark Ardbeg house-style. The Ardbeg Committee gets first bite of this limited edition, then it's on to us hoi palloi in September. As with all Ardbegs it is non chill-filtered to give extra texture and mouthfeel. www.ardbeg.com |
