Ardbeg BizarreBQ: Grilling and Distilling
The new Ardbeg edition is dedicated to the toppic "BBQ". In collaboration with grill master Christian Stevenson (known as DJ BBQ), Dr. Bill Lumsden developed a whisky with a "meaty, peaty punch", as Ardbeg promises: Ardbeg BizarreBQ.
The connection to the topic of barbecue is not only made by the smoky notes of the peated malt, but also by the element of fire: double charred Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and specially developed "BBQ casks", which were extra charred in an old-fashioned brazier, help the Ardbeg BizarreBQ to a special sweet-spicy-smoky aroma.
The smell of campfire and barbecue is in the air
Dr Bill Lumsden says: "Ardbeg BizarreBQ is certainly a hare-brained idea, but with DJ BBQ’s help I was able to cook up something truly incredible. Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. The undeniable smell of bonfire and barbecue embers linger in the background. Deep, warming smoke follows in flame-grilled steak, chilli oil, cured leather and clove. If there’s one Ardbeg you want with you grill-side, it’s this one.”
DJ BBQ Christian Stevenson adds:"Barbecue lovers and Ardbeg lovers are one and the same – it’s all about the smoke – which is something Ardbeg BizarreBQ has in spades. I’ve been on a mission to create and perfect a variety of barbecue dishes and accompanying Ardbeg serves that honour the fundamental laws of smoke, wood and heat for some time. This new limited edition Ardbeg takes this match made in heaven to the next level, and I can’t wait for barbecue and whisky fans to try it.”
Available from 3 April
Ardbeg BizarreBQ has been bottled uncoloured and unfiltered at 50.9% vol.
It will be available from 3 April 2023 only at the Distillery Shop on Islay and in Germany (RRP €86), sold on the German site of Ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies and specialist retailers. In other countries, even in the UK, it will only go on sale in June.
Tasting notes for the Ardbeg BizarreBQ
Colour: Glowing charcoal embers
On the nose: scents of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. Molasses toffee, hickory smoked ham and cinnamon dusted espresso rise. With a splash of water, unmistakably strong citrus aromas are released, with herbal notes of fennel and aniseed. Grilled artichokes and some roast meat sizzle the taste buds. The unmistakable smell of a campfire and barbecue embers wafts in the background.
On the palate: On the tongue, Ardbeg BizarreBQ is vibrantly spicy, with notes of spare ribs marinated in chilli. A lot of deep, warming smoke follows with, steak grilled over an open fire, chilli oil, tanned leather and cloves. Ginger, anise and tar crunch on the palate with an aromatic wood smoke note.
Finish: The powerful, spicy finish is long-lasting, with more grilled artichoke, black olives and a sooty note that slowly dissipates.
Images: Moet Hennessy
