Ardbeg Auriverdes Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Ardbeg Distillery, part of the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy Corporation.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in ex-bourbon casks with newly charred and toasted ends (lids), which infuse additional flavors into the whisky.
Age Statement: No specific age statement provided, but the process suggests a significant maturation period.
Color & Clarity: Described as quite dark, attributed to caramelized wood sugars from the cask ends.
Bottle Design: The typical bottle is green, but the reviewed bottle was specially colored gold as a personal gift. The standard release aligns with Ardbeg's traditional aesthetic but with unique touches for this limited edition.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance of smoke, sweetness, and herbal notes, with a notable absence of overly phenolic or fresh, unaged flavors.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases intense peat smoke, vanilla, licorice, and hints of maple-cured bacon, with a sweet, mouthwatering finish. The use of freshly charred cask ends contributes to its unique flavor profile.
Comparison: The flavor is described as very close to the Ardbeg 10-year-old, with a pleasant, sweet smokiness.

Anecdotes: The bottle was a personal gift from the distillery, indicating its rarity and value. The host humorously references finding a thousand dollars in the package, emphasizing the whisky's perceived value.
Trivia: The name "Auriverdes" is derived from Latin and chemical terminology, combining "aurum" (gold) and "verde" (green), reflecting the bottle's unique design and the colors of the Brazilian flag, tying into the 2014 World Soccer Championship in Brazil.

Historical Context: Ardbeg has a tradition of releasing limited edition bottles, with previous editions becoming collectors' items. The Auriverdes release is tied to the 2014 World Soccer Championship in Brazil, leveraging the event's global appeal.
Geographical References: The whisky's name and timing of release connect it to Brazil, adding an international dimension to its Scottish origins.

Ardbeg Auriverdes is a limited edition single malt Scotch whisky with no specific age statement.
It features a complex flavor profile with intense peat smoke, vanilla, licorice, and maple-cured bacon.
The whisky was matured in ex-bourbon casks with newly charred ends, adding unique flavors.
The release is tied to the 2014 World Soccer Championship in Brazil, reflected in its name and design.
The reviewed bottle was a special gold-colored edition, a personal gift to the host, emphasizing its rarity and collectible nature.

Whisky Collectors: Given its limited edition status and connection to a global event, collectors would find this bottle a valuable addition.
Fans of Peated Whisky: Those who enjoy a complex, smoky flavor profile with sweet undertones would appreciate Auriverdes.
Beginners: Might find the intense flavors challenging but could enjoy it as a step into more complex whiskies.
Ardbeg Enthusiasts: Loyal fans of the distillery would likely seek out this unique release for its distinct characteristics and the novelty of its limited availability.