Ardbeg Hypernova 2022 Committee Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

VITALS:

- $190

- 102 Proof

- NAS

- Islay

I'm not gonna lie--I was not happy at all with the price on this bottle. This seemed to be the peak of pricing for the Ardbeg Committee Releases.  While previous releases had been somewhat price, they weren't pushing the $200 range, particularly on a non-age stated whisky.  This seems especially egregious given that the most recent Committee Release came in at a relatively modest $85. 

And yet this bottle still found its way onto this sucker's shelf. I really just can't help myself when it comes to Ardbeg. Time and time again it has proven to be my favorite Islay distillery.  While not every bottle has been an absolute home run, they have released so many bottlings that I have absolutely loved that I just could never quit them!  And when they describe it as their "Possibly the smokiest dram in the world," well, I just had to find out for myself.

And yet, when I popped the cork, my first thought was, "Not nearly as smoky as I expected." The smoke was there on the nose, it just wasn't slap-me-in-the face smoke.  It was balanced out by sweeter notes of bright orange and honey. There was a sweet malty backbone, almost like graham crackers, and even a bit of a honey butter note. All these great notes may have pushed that smoke note back a bit.

On the palate, again that smoke just wasn't the heavy amount of soot or creosote that takes you back. Don't get my wrong, this was still very true to Islay and true to Ardbeg.  That soot note, even a char note, was definitely there.  There was no questioning that this was an Ardbeg.

But, what I've always loved about Ardbeg is their ability to make other notes absolutely shine alongside that heavy peat. Here, those crackery and bready notes along with those bright citrus notes all seemed to really come through and work well with that peat.  I got a sweet wheat bread note, along with citrus notes of lemon and orange. 

There was a grassy or herbal note as well that, at times, reminded me of lemongrass.  And on the bac end I got a spicy black pepper note that again seemed to complement everything else going on.  All of this was sweetened up by a bright honey note, and those smoke, citrus, wheat bread and honey notes all were incredibly well-balanced.  So much so that I wasn't really made that this did not come across as the "smokiest dram" in the world.  In fact, I was glad it wasn't, because it might have thrown off the balance.

Do I think this was a bit overpriced, yes. Do I think this was a fantastic pour and I wish I had more of it? Also yes!!  All in all, this was an absolutely great pour, and I couldn't help but keep dipping back into this bottle until it was gone.

Grade: A-