Ardbeg bottles Scorch for Fèis Ìle 2021

Islay distillery Ardbeg has revealed its 2021 limited edition Scotch whisky bottling to mark the annual Fèis Ìle festival – Scorch.

Each year, the LVMH-owned distillery marks the final Saturday of the Fèis Ìle Festival of Music and Malt with Ardbeg Day, a global celebration of the Scotch whisky brand. This year, the celebrations will take place online on 5 June.

Ahead of Ardbeg Day, the Scotch whisky maker has created Scorch, which has been matured in heavily charred ex-Bourbon American oak casks.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s director of distilling and whisky creation, said: “Ardbeg Scorch is our tribute to the legendary dragon of Islay. By using our most heavily-charred casks, we’ve created a fire-breathing beast of a dram.”

Bottled at 46% ABV, Ardbeg Scorch is said to have aromas of soot and smoke, as well as aniseed and patchouli.

On the palate, it has an oily mouthfeel and flavours of sweet smoke, grilled fare, black liquorice and medicinal lozenge. The finish is described as ‘long’, with a subtle tarry aftertaste.

Ardbeg Scorch will be available to buy from Ardbeg Embassies, whisky specialists, online retailers and from the Distillery Visitor Centre from 27 May 2021, priced at RRP £100 (US$139).

Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s distillery manager, said: “This year will be my first Ardbeg Day ever: a baptism of fire. It’s a shame we Ardbeggians can’t enjoy it together in person, but the online event is shaping up to be tremendous fun.

“With a whole virtual world to explore, including fantasy inns, campfire tales, medieval feasts and live tastings, there’s plenty for people to be excited about this year.”

Earlier this year, Ardbeg added a 25-year-old expression to its core range – the oldest permanent Scotch whisky bottling from the brand.