Ardbeg Dark Cove is a combination of ex-bourbon casks and “its heart” matured in dark sherry casks. The darkest Ardbeg ever, they say.
Ardbeg Dark Cove
(46,5%, OB – Feis Ile 2016)
Nose: creosote and a sneaker store at first, followed by hints of burnt meat and light vanilla. Subtle rhubarb and apple. Gingery notes, nutmeg and seaweed. Hints of chocolate truffles. Iodine. Soft leather. It’s rather well-mannered. I like it, but I wouldn’t call it dark.
Mouth: sweet peat up front, smoked lemons and medicinal qualities. Some peppery bite. Nice sweet – sour – salt combination. Liquorice. Cocoa. Very shy raisins in the background. A lot of ashes towards the end.
Finish: warm, rather long, on roasted malt, smoked ham, ginger and pepper. Tarry and slightly rubbery end.
This is not what I expected – it is less dark and less sherried. The concept may be really thin, yet it does deliver a classic Ardbeg profile with hardly any trickery. Taste-wise one of the best Ardbeg Day releases for me. Around € 100.
Score: 89/100