Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Limited Edition | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Unique for this edition, the Ardbeg distillery closed the purifier during distillation, allowing heavier vapors to bypass the purifier and go directly into the condenser, resulting in a different flavor profile. The specific cask maturation or age statement was not mentioned, but it's speculated to be younger than 8 years due to the absence of an age statement on the label.
Age Statement: Likely younger than 8 years.
Color and Clarity: Described as having a light, white wine clarity.
Bottle Design: Features a distinctive design with a big cloud of heavy vapors and an illustration of Shorty, the dog, digging in the cloud.

Balance of Flavors: This whisky is noted for its extreme smokiness and spiciness, with a peppery note. The absence of the purifier during distillation has resulted in a more demanding and intense flavor profile.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky is described as having a spicy, peppery catch that is not long-lasting, with the spiciness dissipating after a few seconds, leaving a cladding of smokiness in the mouth.
Comparison: The flavor profile is significantly different from typical Ardbeg releases due to the altered distillation process, making it unique in its intensity and character.

Distillery Anecdotes: The hosts shared insights into the distillation process at Ardbeg, particularly the role of the purifier in creating a lighter spirit. For this edition, the decision to close the purifier resulted in a whisky with heavier vapors, showcasing a different side of Ardbeg's distillation capabilities.
Sci-Fi Theme: The whisky is associated with a sci-fi theme, featuring a comic with a dystopian narrative, which was not to everyone's taste but added a unique cultural layer to the whisky's presentation.

Isla's Distilling Heritage: Ardbeg's innovative approach to this limited edition highlights the distillery's willingness to experiment within the traditional confines of Islay whisky production, emphasizing the region's rich distilling heritage and Ardbeg's place within it.

"This is extreme, really extreme." - Highlighting the intense flavor profile resulting from the altered distillation process.
"I think there's a reason why they built in that purifier." - Acknowledging the usual necessity of the purifier in balancing the whisky's flavors.
"It's very nice and interesting whisky, but it's definitely much more demanding." - On the challenging yet rewarding nature of the whisky's flavor profile.

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Limited Edition is a unique single malt Scotch whisky from Islay, characterized by its intense smokiness and spiciness.
The distillation process was altered by closing the purifier, resulting in heavier vapors contributing to the whisky's flavor.
The whisky's presentation includes a sci-fi themed comic, adding a cultural layer to its identity.
Experts describe the whisky as extremely intense and more demanding than typical Ardbeg releases, highlighting its uniqueness.

For Peat Lovers: Those who enjoy heavily peated whiskies will likely appreciate the intense smokiness of this edition.
For Adventurous Drinkers: Individuals open to trying whiskies with unique production stories and flavor profiles.
For Collectors: The limited edition nature and unique story behind its production make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Not Recommended for Beginners: Due to its intense and demanding flavor profile, it might not be the best choice for those new to whisky or peated expressions.