Ardbeg Ardcore Limited Edition Scotch Whisky
Ardbeg Ardcore Limited Edition Scotch Whisky is the 50.1% ABV (100.2 proof), 750mL Ardbeg Committee Release for Ardbeg Day 2022 — a non-chill-filtered, no-age-statement Islay single malt, and the first Ardbeg ever made with roasted black malt. The theme is punk: a tribute to Islay's obscure 1970s punk scene and "Punk Ellen," the affectionate nickname for Port Ellen. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 50.1% (100.2 proof) — Committee Release; the 46%/700mL bottle is a different release
- Size: 750mL
- Age: no age statement
- Origin: Ardbeg Distillery, Isle of Islay, Scotland
- Malt: first Ardbeg use of roasted (black) malt
- Release: Ardbeg Day 2022; Committee-member exclusive; non-chill filtered, no added color
Ardbeg Goes Punk
Ardcore is Ardbeg at its most feral. Distillery Manager Dr. Bill Lumsden described the whisky as tasting "like biting on a spiky ball" — and with roasted black malt in the mash for the first time in Ardbeg's history (previously used at Moët Hennessy only for Glenmorangie Signet), it earns it. The punk theme is more than packaging: it is an ode to the DIY punk scene that flickered through Islay and Port Ellen in the 1970s. Released exclusively to Ardbeg Committee members for Ardbeg Day 2022. Compare with more Islay single malts and the Ardbeg collection.
Tasting Notes
Per Ardbeg's official notes: nose of spice and savor — marmite, burnt toast, chicory, charcoal, infused coffee grounds, a classic Ardbeg herbal top note, smoky bonfire and molasses in the background; taste of cocoa powder, dark chocolate, peanut brittle toffee, smoked lime, soot and bonfire embers with amped-up aniseed and malty biscuit; a sweeter finish of treacle toffee, soot and smoke.
How to Enjoy
Neat in a Glencairn — at 50.1% and non-chill filtered, this is built for the full-throttle Ardbeg experience. A few drops of water temper the spice and bring the chocolate notes forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the Committee Release or the general release?
The Committee Release: 50.1% ABV in a 750mL bottle. The 46%/700mL bottle is a different, general release.
What is roasted black malt?
A heavily roasted malted barley, used at Ardbeg for the first time with this whisky — it brings the charcoal, coffee and dark-chocolate character.
What is the punk theme about?
A tribute to Islay's 1970s punk scene and "Punk Ellen," the nickname for Port Ellen.
Punk rock in a bottle — order Ardbeg Ardcore Limited Edition online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.