Ardbeg Spectacular

Ardbeg

WB 84.5 538 оценок 46.0 %vol

Port + exBourbon Whiskybase

Бочки созревания/финиша

Выдержка Port casks and Ex-Bourbon Casks · Whiskybase (Cask Type) · 2026-09-13T21:49:25+00:00 WB ↗

Магазинов с предложением: 3 · предложений: 3 · в наличии: 3 · цена: от 104.90 € до 129 €

S3: собрано индивидуальных оценок 538 из 538

карточка Whiskybase

Отзывы Whiskybase

учтено 131 заметок · текстовых 85 · полный lossless-снимок WB (полнота подтверждена)

Суммаризация отзывов

Отзывы об Ardbeg Spectacular расходятся: одни хвалят его как приятный, лёгкий для питья виски с дымом и фруктами, другие считают молодым, плоским и переоценённым для специального релиза.

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В отзывах этот релиз Ardbeg оценивают неоднозначно. Часть описаний положительна: его называют приятным и лёгким для питья, с влиянием портовой бочки (красные фрукты, сладость, ментол/мята), хорошо сочетающимся с фирменным торфяным дымом; встречаются упоминания сложного «цирка ароматов», длинного финиша и узнаваемого Ardbeg, а также совет дать виски время в бокале. Нос и вкус описывают как дымный, торфяной, солёный, с мятой, шоколадом, табаком, тоффи и цитрусовой цедрой. При этом даже в положительных отзывах почти всегда упоминается завышенная цена. Однако многие отзывы критичны: виски считают молодым, плоским, несбалансированным, с коротким финишем и слабой текстурой, «middle of the road» и разочаровывающим, особенно за цену; название «Spectacular» не оправдывает ожиданий. Влияние порта ощущается не всеми: одни находят сладость, красные ягоды и фруктовость, другие заявляют, что порта почти нет или его «нужно вообразить». Есть прямо негативные отзывы (оценки 69–73), мнения о сходстве с Laphroaig или даже «жидкостью для полоскания рта», а также заявления, что это худший или почти невыносимый Ardbeg, с предпочтением стандартной десятки, Uigeadail или Corryvreckan. Отдельно отмечают, что это не тот профиль, который ждут давние поклонники Ardbeg, и что он больше подойдёт новичкам; главные претензии — короткий финиш и отсутствие явного влияния порта.

собрано 85/131 текстовых отзывов · полный lossless-снимок WB · 2026-11-13T07:23:51Z · источник evidence

официальная заметка — дата неизвестна

Gawlica Member Senior 82 01 may 2024 9:58 pm

It's not a bad whisky, however its a bad Ardbeg. Good peated whisky with port sweetnes which can be very good for begginers. But when you are releasing Feis Ile special Edition in price of 120 euro It should have been anticipated that only die hard Ardbeg fans will buy it. And they will not like it. It taste like candy cane in some very young peated spirit, with very short finish. Its too young, unbalanced, lacking of depth and overpriced whisky. But i must say its very easy drinking for some newbies to Islay, but not exactly what Ardbeg fan is looking for.

TKoolhaas Connoisseur 81 06 may 2024 3:13 pm

I am or was a real fan of Ardbeg. However, the new versions disappoint me. If this continues, they will no longer have any customers for their special releases. Luckily the 10, 19 and Corry are still there!

Sweetspot Connoisseur 79 25 may 2024 11:50 pm

нос 80 · вкус 80 · финиш 78

Nikilema Expert Senior 83 30 may 2024 7:37 pm

нос 83 · вкус 83 · финиш 84

rampah Connoisseur 73 15 jun 2024 2:29 pm

Taste is quite flat, finish very weak. Falls far behind the current core range.

WaltFebby Expert Senior 83 16 jun 2024 5:38 pm

？

нос 83 · вкус 83 · финиш 84

manspear Expert Senior 85 06 jul 2024 2:07 pm

similar to laphroaig. not too noticeable that this whisky is port wine finished.

fuxxen Expert Junior 81 28 aug 2024 10:31 pm

Basically a decent whisky. Easy to drink and a light finish. Almost no peat! Good, but too expensive!

DrunkDude Expert Senior 82 16 sep 2024 7:42 am

octomore 2.0

minialkoff Connoisseur 83 17 nov 2024 10:43 pm

21+21+20+21

dram-drinker Connoisseur 85 21 apr 2025 5:01 pm

Honey, vanilla, some peat - okayish drinkable, not much more to say about

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	86	Cigar tobacco, vanilla, hay, honeydew, almonds, dough, little yeasty notes, some peat and smoke, little kippery, little medicinal
Вкус	85	Oily, syrupy, honey, good sweetness, some peat and smoke, tobacco, herbs
Финиш	84	Medium long, warm, peaty and smoky, honey, vanilla

kbs26 Connoisseur 86 27 apr 2025 10:21 pm

нос 85 · вкус 86 · финиш 86

duranadavid Expert Senior 86 22 apr 2026 4:21 pm

aroma: dense, rounded, peat, coal, vanilla, dried fruit Taste: harsh, peat, coal, dried fruit, red wine, vanilla Interesting smell and taste. It's not a classic smoker, so compact

whisky_knight Expert Senior 83 26 apr 2024 6:00 am

This Ardbeg Limited Edition release for Feis Ile 2024 / Ardbeg Day 2024 is a pleasant change from their previous limited offerings. Ardbeg Spectacular being their first Port Wine Cask (and Bourbon Barrel) maturation release (per their website), there’s a level of excitement in trying Ardbeg in a different light. I can taste the Port Wine Cask influence here, and it matches well with Ardbeg’s massive bonfire smoke and ash signature. The palate is the most interesting facet so far (I’ll revisit the bottle in a few days), with the taste of a blackberry pie warmed up on the BBQ grill being the standout note for me. One hopes we might see a longer maturation Ardbeg in Port Wine Casks one day (I’d love to see how an Ardbeg 12 – 15 year might turn out), but for now, this is a fun, tasty dram to start with.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	83	Ripe Bartlett pears roasted on the barbecue. Caramel apples, rich, sweet sugars. Waxy butteriness appears as you let it sit.
Вкус	85	Medium mouthfeel that coats immediately with Ardbeg’s signature massive bonfire peat smoke, but also smoked berries. Ash and creosote, and a blackberry pie warmed up on the BBQ grill. Salted caramel appears, the more you chew.
Финиш	81	Medium finish. The signature Ardbeg bonfire smoke lingers and starts to die down, with a dry finish (like oversteeped tea in mouthfeel). Smoked raspberries / berries trail off.

trompjes Expert Senior 71 01 may 2024 5:38 pm

Bad

Mirko_dorLange Member Senior 84 01 may 2024 7:14 pm

herby.usa Connoisseur 88 07 may 2024 8:15 pm

07.05.2024: Freshly opened -> it is developing This could once again be an interesting Ardbeg of the new generation.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	88	Maritime, salty/peaty, sweet, wine note, menthol, liquorice Alcohol initially stings, but evaporates very quickly light smoke (incense), honey, Leather armchair with a hint of perfume over time citrus scents, and also lavender (floral - not comparable to the FWP of the old Bowmores) Conclusion: The nose needs a lot of time and the whisky must be quite warm to the touch.
Вкус	88	Very mild at first, but quickly becomes spicy and peppery, then creamy oily, maritime/salty mixes with sweetness, cooling effect (menthol) first small sip brings cocoa, vanilla, coffee and light ashy notes Very interesting !
Финиш	87	Mouth becomes dry Salt and sweetness play in the mouth Ash and smoke are only subtle

Xaccie Expert Junior 82 10 may 2024 9:54 pm

A better dram than most other Ardbeg festival editions of recent years. It's a little thin and watery, probably due to extensive filtering, but the port finish brings about some red fruit and orange sweetness and a menthol/mint note that pairs nicely with Ardbeg's typical peat influence. The latter is particularly recognizable. The overall result is a pleasant experience, but it is uncomplicated, has no bite, lacks texture and offers no flavours to 'chew on'.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	83	Grains, cereal, some light fudge cake notes, and then a tiny bit of over-ripe banana and some iodine in the background. The nose is the best component of this dram.
Вкус	82	Cheese cake (American to be precise) immediately present in the arrival, slightly milky, developing into red fruits, jams, some oranges, raisins, rum raisins even, with caramel swirls announcing the finish. No strong dominant flavors though, no loudness, it's all subdued, watered down. There are no layers, there is not a lot of complexity. It is a sequential experience. It lacks texture too, despite the rather nice golden and oily presentation in the glass.
Финиш	82	Lingering red fruits, sweet figs, sugar cane syrup, a hint of leather and tobacco, and as that medium-slowly fades out and transforms in a mint or menthol note, what eventually remains is a lovely remnant of that typical elegant Ardbeg aftertaste that is so recognizable.

Jamie McDubh Connoisseur 83 27 may 2024 8:44 pm

Not really spectacular.

нос 83 · вкус 83 · финиш 82

Whisky Hamster Expert Senior 85 01 jun 2024 7:48 pm

Re-name to "Anything-but-Spectacular". Sigh... another one of those "too-early-bottled-and-not-enough-of-the-advertised-cask-finish" versions of Ardbeg which on its own could probably hold its own against an An Oa, as - also as always - Ardbeg benefits from a very nice and forgiving distillate. ;-) Thank goodness I could try it for free and did not buy a bottle (which features a nice design again). Miles from the (older, more refined, higher abv., distinctly-finished) LP Cairdeas 2024. *shrug*

robain Specialist 87 09 jun 2024 1:26 pm

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	86	Salty smoke, citrus, peat
Вкус	88	peat smoke, salty
Финиш	88	oily full bodied, fill your mouth completely with smoke, citrus.

karloff Connoisseur 80 19 sep 2024 11:52 pm

This was a sample courtesy of Peatbogger. Not a complete dud but I would chose loads of others in the same style before this. Spectacular own goal I would say.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	80	Port cask Ardbeg? This is going to be interesting especially as I'm reviewing it after that lovely Ledaig. Could be a mistake. Anyway I take it it's not in your face as mostly Ardbeg's are. I suppose this helps the port influence as you do get some canned red fruits. I think this is the tamest Ardbeg I've ever sniffed.
Вкус	80	Well you have to tip your hat for effort but for me it doesn't work. It's more like Ardmore having a go instead of Ardbeg. There is something artificial about this so I know where Peatbogger got the Listerine from. If I was a Ardbeg afficionado I wouldn't be happy with this. I'm not an afficionado so to me it's an easy sipper if I have another whisky in mind.
Финиш	79	The finish is a bit flat as well. It's not just flat but short as well.

Dris Connoisseur 84 12 oct 2024 10:54 pm

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	85	-
Вкус	84	-
Финиш	83	+

Frederikaj Connoisseur 87 25 oct 2024 9:24 pm

нос 86 · вкус 87 · финиш 87

drink_tony Expert Senior 82 29 nov 2024 5:55 pm

novachenko Expert Senior 85 28 jan 2025 9:19 pm

Young, sweet, malty, dirty and ashy. Rich, buttery, smoky, full-bodied in taste The finish is short.

нос 84 · вкус 85 · финиш 85

adrenalin Connoisseur 69 01 may 2024 10:42 am

not good

trompjes Expert Senior 71 01 may 2024 5:37 pm

not to drink

DerDennis! Specialist 85 23 may 2024 10:17 pm

нос 87 · вкус 85 · финиш 84

jea Member Senior 82 24 may 2024 4:36 pm

нос 81 · вкус 83 · финиш 82

GlasMost Expert Senior 82 03 jun 2024 9:20 pm

Taking the price into consideration it's below 80. Kinda nice, but boring. Port finish? Hard to detect. An oa plays in the same league. Glad I did not buy a bottle. 10cl was enough to be dissapointed. I wanted to like it but sadly Ardbeg continues its underwhelming but overpriced special bottlings.

Highlander65 Expert Senior — 30 jun 2024 3:50 pm

First Ardbeg aged in port, but... you can't hear the port! Or rather it gave sweetness to the whisky but without those dark notes typical of port. We therefore have fruity and creamy aromas, sweet, but also salty and marine, with menthol and citrus (lemon) reflections. Very good overall.

Slàinte Mhath Super Administrator 82 26 aug 2024 5:53 pm

Quick hit review. Damn you peatbogger, the moment you mentioned 'Listerine' this Ardbeg was utterly ruined for me. Notes of mint, brine and vegetal peat smoke reach my nose, it's sweet and a bit flat. Peaty, honeyed and quite youthful, the palate comes indeed across as premium mouthwash, just that you'd normally not swallow it. Almost cloying, the finish burries any traces of peat smoke under a thick layer of maple syrup. Spectacular, Ardbeg are you kidding me? RATING: 3.4/5.0 stars ≙ 82 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [-]

martin_the_collector Expert Junior 83 22 dec 2024 9:13 pm

нос 84 · вкус 83 · финиш 82

Gous Connoisseur 83 29 mar 2025 11:22 pm

нос 83 · вкус 83 · финиш 82

whisky_alphabet Connoisseur 86 26 apr 2025 2:13 pm

нос 87 · вкус 86 · финиш 86

chameleonwhisky Member Senior 85 01 may 2025 9:55 pm

Sweeter expression of Ardbeg. Compare to sherry finish, it's more chocolaty. Good exploration of cask. Tasting dram available at chameleonwhisky.com

claymore84 Expert Senior 83 05 oct 2025 10:13 pm

GIORGOS Connoisseur 83 12 may 2026 11:34 pm

нос 83 · вкус 84 · финиш 83

QQmubai Connoisseur 84 28 apr 2024 5:57 pm

нос 85 · вкус 85 · финиш 83

Maggi75 Member Senior 84 09 may 2024 6:11 pm

Good Ardbeg, but I liked the Harry tale with Sauternes in the duel better. Hence 84p

FrozenTime Member Senior 89 18 may 2024 9:59 pm

Even though I have not had many Islay whisky's yet, this one stands out for me the most. That's why it is probably rated higher than any of the other reviews. The nice smokiness combined with how it lingers for a while in your mouth makes it a very nice whisky.

Numwierum Expert Senior 80 28 may 2024 8:00 pm

Smell: Some red grapes, red berries and a light port wine sweetness, maritime, cooling menthol, bitter almond, behind it citrus notes and strong phenolic smoke. Taste: Short fruity start with raisins, dried oranges and caramelized apples, then peppery and spicy, slightly salty, mint, some anise and liquorice root, mouth-filling smoke. Finish: Short, slightly dry, woody and pleasant smoke. Conclusion: Unfortunately, it is quite unspectacular! It does not shine with a wide range of aromas, quite the opposite, it seems rather flat and unbalanced when young. I would have simply preferred more port wine aromas, especially in the taste. Even if it wouldn't have been more spectacular, I would probably have liked it better.

нос 81 · вкус 79 · финиш 80

ea teasse Expert Junior 85 31 may 2024 10:55 pm

Sweet on the nose, vegetal on the palate.

Sirralf Connoisseur 85 16 jun 2024 11:49 am

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	85	Peat smoke, some fruit compote made from dark berries, damp forest floor, salty caramel, toffee, some menthol and lime
Вкус	85	Creamy-oily texture on the palate, it could show a little more volume, some salty caramel, dark fruits, peat smoke, earthy, mint, eucalyptus, spicy
Финиш	84	Medium finish, peat smoke, dark berries, salty, spicy

peatbogger Specialist 83 09 aug 2024 11:03 pm

Spectacular? Let me as the customer decide that, let me also add that choosing a name like that is the ultimate way of setting yourself up for a fall. Did I get my money's worth with this one? Just about... since I've adjusted my expectations.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	84	Surprisingly low level of peat for a young Ardbeg. The official notes mention wax with almond, maybe that sound better than Turtle Wax as I'm getting. Don't get me wrong, I'm a car guy and that smell makes me smile. Peat builds in the glass though, along with white fruits. A bit soft and underwhelming, but over all not bad.
Вкус	86	About what I expected from the nose, with a bit more spice and bite to the delivery. That's good. More nutty than the nose, and there is definitely more than a hint of mint. The peat is sweat. Spices builds a bit.
Финиш	80	Salty and sweet, with a bit too much of the mint lingering. It's almost as I had a glass of Listerine.

Cooperesque Expert Senior 85 05 oct 2024 6:40 pm

A nice dram, but for an Ardbeg rather “middle of the road”. Not very complex and less spectacular than the BizarreBQ or the Unicorn’s Tale. Tasty for sure, but not out of this world spectacular.

Dr. Skov Connoisseur 88 25 oct 2024 9:28 pm

нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88

rolabob Connoisseur 87 09 mar 2025 1:12 pm

нос 86 · вкус 87 · финиш 87

zzqfyl Connoisseur 85 13 jul 2025 12:20 pm

нос 86 · вкус 85 · финиш 84

Stuerzi Expert Senior 84 06 dec 2025 9:01 pm

нос 83 · вкус 84 · финиш 84

bl0wb4ck Expert Senior 86 05 jan 2026 4:48 am

Not particularly "spectacular", but still a solid Ardbeg.

нос 85 · вкус 86 · финиш 86

SteveW110 Connoisseur 71 05 may 2024 9:48 am

Sour and biting Ardbeg. Almost no port taste

Arek1979 Expert Senior 86 16 may 2024 1:16 pm

нос 87 · вкус 86 · финиш 85

Spoerkel Connoisseur 87 22 may 2024 11:27 pm

Port finish? Aha. There is undoubtedly something sweet on the nose and palate. But it could have been anything else for my taste. A decent dram - but once again completely overpriced.

нос 86 · вкус 87 · финиш 88

czjena Expert Senior 83 20 jun 2024 11:49 pm

Unspectacular sums it up well. Wee beastie is no different. Anyone who tastes or smells port has a lot of imagination.

NormanPotter Member Senior 83 06 jul 2024 4:25 am

I've had this conversation with friends after trying numerous limited edition Ardbeg bottlings...their core lineup sets the bar so high that most of their limited releases fall short. BizarreBQ to me was the exception from their last several years of limited releases. Spectacular fails to live up to its name.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	88	Beautiful nose that departs from typical Ardbeggian notes with some fruitiness. The peat smells a little more reined in than with the standard Ardbeg bottlings.
Вкус	81	Classic Ardbeg tar and creosote notes, but the oceanic notes of the core line are tamped down by the heady rich red fruit notes of the port casks. Port finished whisky is always hit or miss for me, but it's usually due to the sulfur notes, which either aren't here or are hidden by the peat. However, the port notes round off the palate in a way that would probably be welcomed in a lot of scotch, but isn't doing any favors for an Ardbeg fan who wants the big bold notes. It's somewhat flat, it's interesting but for the price I would stick with Uigeadail, and grab some nice beer, and still be up a few dollars.
Финиш	79	The same rounded-off palate means a fairly muted finish.

Ficelli Connoisseur 84 15 jul 2024 7:10 pm

нос 86 · вкус 84 · финиш 83

Stanzeflasche Connoisseur 87 18 aug 2024 2:49 am

At first, it's very vegetal, candied angelica, fatty grass, then lemon coulis, a drop of cherry juice, crushed raspberry, red plums, redcurrants, it's the Port. Thick smoke, but coated in cotton candy, candy apple, barbecue sauce. The palate is less interesting, concentrated on tall grass and reeds, the peat is not very invasive. Spices, pepper, cloves, lime. Long and explosive finish, liquorice stick, cola and caramel, charcoal, damp and very black earth. It's a good product, I don't see why I would say otherwise. https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2024/08/ardbeg-spectacular.html

нос 88 · вкус 85 · финиш 89

Orchid31 Member Senior 85 26 aug 2024 7:13 pm

nose: peat, flour, malt, burnt straw, black pepper, brioche, mineral, toast, citrus zest, fresh fruit, cigar box palate: peaty, salty, sweet, brioche, citrus zest, vanilla caramel, oily/creamy, sparkling/spicy hint of pepper finish: quite long, ash peat, malt, sweet/salty, tobacco, woody, citrus zest with a hint of bitterness reminiscent of overcooked caramel on the finish but remains persistent

Onslow Expert Senior 80 12 oct 2024 10:11 am

N: Young, rubber notes, weak peat for an Ardbeg. T: Smoke arrives with a saltiness. Dark chocolate. It feels a little bit washy and a weak body but with a pretty long finish. It cannot take on any water at all.

robbert88 Connoisseur 84 13 jan 2025 11:14 pm

A sweet ardbeg but still a bit bland.

WhiskyMojaPasja Expert Senior 88 05 feb 2025 6:46 pm

#ARDBEG SPECTACULAR THE ULTIMATE ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH Whisky 46% ... how to put it... metaphysically - it is indeed a real circus of aromas and flavors and the master of ceremonies - smoke. It all changes, permeates one into the other, now salty now sweetish, bitter, sour, fruity, roasted, baked... like a good show. I checked all these "ardebeg" notes and this version seems to differ a little from the others... or so it seems to me. Whatever, if someone likes specific smoky drinks, this is an "almost" obligatory position.

Baanaanaabob Connoisseur 86 04 may 2025 7:09 pm

vanilla, peat, honey, almonds, tobacco, pepper, very decent

Wal Expert Junior 85 02 jul 2025 9:41 pm

peat, recognizable Ardbeg, some seaweed, vanilla, some red berries, red currants, strawberries with cream l, tobacco, salt 85 Taste: quite mild, tastes like Ardbeg) salty, tarry, very peaty, a little marine, slightly peppery, dried lemon zest, mental notes, some red berries, dark chocolate 85 with a plus Finish: long, bitter, peaty, dried mint, dried herbs, coffee, some dark berries 85- This is Ardbeg, a pleasant Ardbeg that has nothing special and has a double price tag

gossm01 Connoisseur 85 03 may 2024 6:37 pm

It has a medium viscosity and its bouquet is of high intensity. I have aromas of intense maritime peat smoke, florality, leather, ash and menthol. Relatively flat malt. A good balance between sweetness and dryness in terms of taste. The alcohol is well integrated and it has a fairly heavy body.

eddi14 Expert Senior 84 11 may 2024 2:09 pm

нос 86 · вкус 84 · финиш 81

domani Connoisseur 82 17 may 2024 9:42 pm

Ardbeg smoke dominates, otherwise I don't have much to describe. Basically, it could just as well be any Islay blend with a one-dimensional taste profile. One of the worst Ardbeg bottlings I've had in my glass so far - 17.05.2024

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	82	Intense Ardbeg smoke, sourdough, maritime, mineral
Вкус	83	Sweet smoke, tart, pepper, viscous and maritime, oak spice
Финиш	81	Medium length, smoky, oak, associations of warm ash

ThorstenH Connoisseur 80 25 may 2024 10:12 pm

Port is noticeable on the nose, with a hint of peat underneath. On the palate, the peat is more prominent, underscored by a slight fruitiness. The finish is also dominated by peat, becoming slightly ashy, with a hint of chocolate on the third dram. 71-80 – Fine, like to drink by time

нос 80 · вкус 76 · финиш 84

Maarud Member Senior 89 29 may 2024 6:02 pm

Little different,but in a good way

mappi_6 Expert Junior 77 30 may 2024 8:34 pm

I don't have the words to describe this Ardbeg... For 120€ you get a very thin flavor profile - to put it politely. All in all, very disappointing.

нос 81 · вкус 76 · финиш 74

D0rmen Member Junior 70 11 jun 2024 7:31 pm

Low key but good overall

Sapfiwhisky Expert Senior 83 01 jul 2024 4:30 pm

chrizthewiz Expert Senior 84 14 aug 2024 11:03 pm

Mmmmh, can you taste it? that’s it.. right there.. Yes! The bittersweet taste of disappointment and confusion of all of us idiots who bought a bottle of this „special release“ that is „matured in highly sought-after port wine casks..“ and that apparently is „A curiosity sure to shock the world of distilling.“ Yes, its a tiny bit more mentholated and chocolaty than TEN, and there are some faint hints of liquorice. But calling this one „Spectacular“ is really stretching it, guys. I think the marketing team had a good laugh when naming this one. Don’t get me wrong, a mediocre Ardbeg is still technically well made whisky, but I‘ll be honest, in a blind tasting I would’ve thought this is Ardbeg TEN most likely. In conclusion: They put too much effort in the packaging and marketing and not enough juicy Port pipes in the vatting tank. And we all expected a well matured malt, full of red berries and rich, dark, port wine aromas. And got this one instead. And they have our money now :‘D

Archer Connoisseur 80 31 aug 2024 11:57 pm

This “whisky experience” can be summed up quite briefly: unspectacular. What was Ardbeg thinking?

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	81	Warm and fruity peat smoke, dried fish, seaweed. Slightly sweet, I can well imagine that this impression comes from the port casks. The smell of warm aluminum suggests a relatively short maturation period, fresh branches reinforce this impression.
Вкус	80	Initially creamy with cold, ashy smoky notes, dried lemon peel, tart, no other fruit notes. A fairly young vegetable.
Финиш	79	There's no other way to describe it as having a peat smell. But otherwise, nothing else here.

Peatyjohn Expert Senior 84 21 apr 2025 8:31 pm

The opportunity to try a port/wine type influence in Ardbeg. I reviewed this from a sample at a whisky show, after a few too many drams so I’m including professional notes I picked up: Nose (aroma): •Highly aromatic, with fragrant lavender, vetiver, incense, leather, almond and wax notes. Adding a bit of water reveals wood smoke, peat moss and menthol. Palate (taste): •Salty and viscous mouthfeel •Bold peat smoke with eucalyptus oil, salted caramel, smoked pecan, creosote, tar and subtle sweet pear crumble or toffee in the background. Finish: •Long and lingering, with salted caramel and cooling menthol trailing off.

HrvojeV Connoisseur 86 21 sep 2025 1:24 pm

нос 86 · вкус 86 · финиш 85

Thermidor Connoisseur 82 01 feb 2026 12:01 pm

We are going deep into Whisky Lake 2.0 today, maybe all the way to the bottom in more than one way, so I best put on my atmospheric diving suit. The exact depth is 15 Ardbeg limited releases in one go, with a current 10yo (83 pts.) as the benchmark. Yes, I have written my last will and testament. The lineup from the newest to the oldest bottling is: Smokiverse (81), Spectacular (82), Heavy Vapours (77), Ardcore (76), Scorch (83), Blaaaack (81), Drum (79), Grooves (80), Kelpie (83), Dark Cove (84), Perpetuum (80), Auriverdes (83), Ardbog (87), Galileo (85), Alligator (88). Compared to my previous scores for the bottles I've already tasted, only Auriverdes felt a bit better this time than the first time I tried it many, many years ago. Unsurprisingly, both myself and the tasting panel voted Alligator, Ardbog, and Galileo as the best three. For me the bottom of the barrel was Ardcore with its offensive blandness and youth, but the whole tasting panel voted it the 2nd worst in the lineup, disliking Heavy Vapours even more. Thanks for the tasting, Maija & Pete!

DramALife Connoisseur 85 23 apr 2024 10:00 pm

S 6.5 You’ll need spectacular imagination to enjoy this Spectacular Ardbeg. For these type of hyped releases, initial scores are often irrelevant as likely there’ll be users putting a 90+ score without justification. Jokes aside, the port cask sweetness doesn’t hit it as hard as I thought, which is good. But on the other hand, it’s much drier than it would usually be, perhaps refill port casks? 81-85 I’ll happily have another dram.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	86	On first sniff, salty and industrial smoke. Cold metal. Tobacco leaves. Wet earthy herbs & malt. Pear & lime cordial. Masculine peat forms the basis of this. With time, curl Italian meat. Crushed peppercorn. Cardamom. Sugary spearmint. It’s also getting creamy nutty with a whiff of caramel popcorns. Now sweet & smoky.
Вкус	85	Much more sugary than the nose. Moderately dry. Now tinned strawberries and cranberries. The bonfire smoke is still apparent, but covered by a layer of fresh orchard fruits & berry jam. New Leather. Capers..!? But immediately washed away by the sugary notes. Smoked malt seasoned with a pinch of sea salt.
Финиш	84	Long, warming and very dry finish. Smouldering bonfire. The peat does linger forever like the usual Ardbeg, but the dryness kinda got in the way. The slightest touch of sugary fruits.

WiltChamberlain Connoisseur 81 06 may 2024 12:55 pm

нос 82 · вкус 80 · финиш 81

Wienter65 Expert Junior 87 24 may 2024 10:26 pm

Not a bad Ardbeg, quite the opposite. Unfortunately, the limited Ardbeg bottlings are no longer evaluated neutrally and are immediately bad-mouthed. This "Spectacular" here is a good, rock-solid Ardbeg that needs a little time in the glass. But the quality is absolutely recognizable.

holborndrinker Connoisseur 82 07 jun 2024 10:32 pm

I'm not convinced this really works - the port cask seems muted with the whisky also having some of its rough edges knocked off. Worth trying a dram or two but not looking forward to trying to get through the bottle.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	83	More peat than smoke - think bogs, marsh plants, the inside of a Wellington boot.
Вкус	82	The mouthfeel is pleasant if a little thin - there is a trace of smoke on the palate, with some muted fruit notes, a hint of heat. Overall a little flat with little obvious sign of the port cask influence - almost like it and the spirit dull each other down.
Финиш	82	Medium - more smoke notes at the death with a mournful fruit note.

gaboruso Connoisseur 84 08 jun 2024 9:03 pm

нос 85 · вкус 84 · финиш 83

SC3 Connoisseur 85 20 jul 2024 7:45 pm

нос 86 · вкус 84 · финиш 84

salsutherland Expert Senior 87 03 oct 2024 12:00 am

So, it's not spectacular, but it is a nice dram if you ignore the nonsense of the marketing! N: Sweet. Perfumed. Honey. Red Fruit. Almonds. Slightly Vegetal. Lemon. Salt. Vanilla Sponge. Blackcurrant. Coconut. Peat. P: Red Fruit. Gentle Peat. Sweet. Creamy. Vanilla. Chocolate. Toffee. Nutty. F: Eucalyptus. Caramel. Ongoing Peat. Clean. Tasty.

Alp_Ozalp Expert Senior 86 08 dec 2024 12:33 pm

Peepsinthechili Newbie 95 03 jan 2025 4:00 am

Iconic

Shequel Member Senior 82 25 jul 2025 9:13 pm

The aroma is smoky. I didn't feel any wine aroma. Smoke, coals, a bit of baked apple. Over time, a mashed sourness appears. And after another 20 minutes, the smoke almost disappears, and a light confectionery sweetness remains. The taste is burnt rubber, which literally overwhelms everything. Lots of coal, soot, burnt plastic. I can't determine the influence of port barrels, although I would really like to. The wine sweetness appears only in the aftertaste, very short. It seems not much in terms of alcohol, but the whisky is young and bites. Overall, a very mediocre whisky. Another overpriced, run-of-the-mill option from Ardbeg. It's a shame

Jour.Ray Expert Senior 81 04 jan 2026 8:47 pm

Kostya Connoisseur 87 23 may 2026 8:18 pm

lukasz12 Expert Senior 86 21 jun 2026 9:12 pm

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	86	Sweet and peaty, red fruits, salt
Вкус	86	Smoke, plums, chocolate and sea salt
Финиш	87	Smoke and peat, medium long, smoked meat, ashes.

RoyalScotsman Administrator 69 29 apr 2024 10:53 am

The worst Ardbeg that I had for a long time. It is almost undrinkable. Really sad what is going on here. Especially when you know about the potential of the distillery. And I really believe that they are still producing good spirit. Just look at the newer independent bottlings that are popping out here and there.

butt Connoisseur 81 10 may 2024 12:52 am

нос 80 · вкус 83 · финиш 79

jisono Newbie 71 23 may 2024 7:27 pm

smoking, smooth, sweet

dapoinbua Connoisseur 88 24 may 2024 10:43 am

Dorain Expert Senior 74 24 may 2024 3:39 pm

Once in the glass is enough!

whisky666 Connoisseur 85 25 may 2024 9:19 am

нос 87 · вкус 84 · финиш 83

MaltsofIslay Expert Senior 86 17 jun 2024 9:03 pm

нос 85 · вкус 87 · финиш 86

Petitcham Expert Senior 87 21 jun 2024 5:11 pm

Intuitive and intense ardbeg-specific smoke, mint chocolate, pecans, rich oily, lightly white flowers, incense burning peat in front of you, aroma, feis ile ardbeg recently and it feels fine

Tony_bruto Expert Junior 86 25 jun 2024 4:52 pm

SC3 Connoisseur 85 26 jun 2024 3:26 pm

нос 84 · вкус 84 · финиш 84

PlayerW3 Expert Senior 81 17 jul 2024 1:23 pm

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	82	Smoked fish, fruit cake, vanilla, wet burnt wood, black currant marmalade, coconut fat.
Вкус	85	Burnt grass, oak tannin.
Финиш	77	warm, oak, medium length, licorices.

katarn_rb Connoisseur 82 29 oct 2024 7:27 pm

Tried directly against the "Ten". Sour slightly fermented fruits, eucalyptus, young and alcohol is not so well integrated. Too bad, I'll stick with the standard.

Schubi Member Senior 78 29 apr 2025 12:34 am

Typical Ardbeg, slightly too sharp alcoholic note on the finish.

Islaysmoke Connoisseur 88 17 may 2024 10:27 am

I like this Ardbeg, but the port wine cask is only weakly evident and the price-performance ratio is poor.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	90	Smoky with lots of sweetness. I find typical aniseed alongside licorice notes. Light fruitiness. Very nice smoke over everything.
Вкус	88	The 46% is surprisingly powerful, wood with lots of spice and a lovely ashy dryness, ginger spiciness and smoke! Light bitterness with the fruity sweetness in a lovely interplay.
Финиш	86	Unfortunately a bit short, the smoke remains and the pleasant dryness.

StefanKatonaXXL Expert Senior 86 26 jun 2024 8:12 pm

The first Ardbeg matured in port casks, but rather without the discernible influence of Port. It's actually a nice Ardbeg, but I don't understand what makes it special, personally I prefer several models from the Core Range...

vi_ Newbie 83 04 jul 2024 10:26 am

Nose: Smoke, fudge, coastal, damp wood Taste: Smoke, ash, hints of caramel, dry tobacco. Finish: Mostly straight-forward ardbeg smoke, dry leaves, toast Port & Peat is probably my favourite flavour combo, so I was really excited for this one, and its a pleasant dram but very underwhelming, I think I might prefer the 10, and definitely prefer uigeadail or corryvreckan.

DrPepper_Addict Connoisseur 85 06 aug 2024 3:18 pm

Teefinest Member Senior 87 30 aug 2024 1:31 pm

A very beautiful, round and complex nose: smoke and fruit play together harmoniously. It also makes a good impression in the mouth. Very strong and smoky at first, then there is some sweetness with yellow fruits. These subside quickly and a lot of spice remains. I think this whisky and the combination, Arbeg + port wine barrel, are really successful.

rvangerwen29 Connoisseur 87 22 sep 2024 12:23 pm

нос 86 · вкус 87 · финиш 87

The_Osprey Expert Senior 74 24 sep 2024 12:11 am

Ardbeg Spectacular 46%. 30ml sample Aug 2024. Pale golden. Aroma is muted, water held in a stone container, sandstone, faintest faintest raspberry. Unusually muted. Body is watery to ever-so-slightly oily. Taste is very easy indeed. Hint of menthol up front. Salted rusk mid-palate. The smoke starts coming in but very restrained by the distillery's usual standards. The watery first impression never builds into anything particularly substantial. Not much going on here. The Ardbeg spirit character isn’t coming through. Blind I’d probably say this was a mainland peated whisky. I don’t sense the port casks on the palate much either. It's as though the spirit has been neutralised by the cask rather than augmented by it. It's almost become 'a thing' to criticise Ardbeg over their approach to new releases but I try to be as objective and as fair as I can be. Some of them are okay, but this one just doesn't do much for me. 3.1/74

sealgair Expert Senior — 16 nov 2024 11:13 am

You should drink it - if only to not miss any stage of the slow decline of this once fantastic distillery.

90ClubWhisky Connoisseur 87 30 nov 2024 9:36 pm

Light golden color. Oily structure.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	86	Peat. Dark berries. Blueberries. You can feel the influence of Port barrels. Sweetness. Dessert chocolate. A pinch of salt. Dried fruit. Dried plums. Raisins. Milk chocolate with raisins. Salted caramel. Fudge. Toffee. Caramel. But everything is lightly salted. Blueberries. Hungarian plums. A trace of spices. A heavily burnt barrel. Wood in a blazing fire.
Вкус	87	Dried fruit. Dried plums. Smoked plums. Raisins. Dark chocolate. Dark berries. Blueberries. Peat. Burning campfire. Heavily burnt barrel. Pinch of spices. Toffee, fudge and caramel. Lots of sea salt. Spices. Black coffee. Plums in dark chocolate. Asphalt. Tar. Sweetness. Quite oily structure.
Финиш	87	Peat. Blowing smoke. Burning fire. Dried fruit. Dried plums. Raisins. Blueberries. Forest fruits, but also as if dried or even smoked. Smoked meat. BBQ ribs. Grilled pork neck in a sweet marinade. Blueberries. Hungarian plums. Toffee. Fudge. Sea salt. After the second sip, black coffee comes. Lots of peat. Long finish.

PariLevi Expert Senior 88 05 dec 2024 10:06 am

нос 89 · вкус 88 · финиш 88

Dram_Whisky Connoisseur 86 27 apr 2025 7:31 pm

нос 87 · вкус 86 · финиш 84

kroy Expert Junior 80 18 sep 2025 7:52 pm

Very interesting marriage of port and peat. Sweet, salty, herby. A little bit of salt and sugar.

DramSlayer Connoisseur 87 05 feb 2026 6:25 pm

нос 86 · вкус 87 · финиш 87

etwa77 Expert Senior 84 29 apr 2024 6:17 pm

a very sweet and fruity ardbeg this new “special”.. it reminds me of the most recent laphroaig cairdeas, with which it shares the maturation in port barrels.. seems like some distilleries are trying to woo customers who would not usually go for the more heavily peated, medicinal, salty-maritime malts that one usually expects from the houses on Islay.. i, for one, feel more disappointed with the young age of the spirit, than the cask composition.. it becomes quickly drying and the alcohol bites.. i’m afraid there is nothing really spectacular in this release, as Ardbeg continues to put out mediocre whiskies with big fanfare..i wouldn’t say that it is not drinkable, actually it is more easy-drinking for someone who doesn’t know what Ardbeg is really about, but for those who love Ardbeg.. this edition is a really unaccomplished malt, just sweet booze. ..

tommyhilfiger Newbie 80 15 may 2024 7:16 am

Smells and tastes "just" OK and like a very average smoky Islay whisky. There is no port wine influence noticeable on the nose or palate. It could just as well have been any other barrels. Calling this whisky spectacular is completely unfounded. The price is also beyond the quality offered. 40 euros would be appropriate for this very ordinary and in no way special Ardbeg.

TKoolhaas Connoisseur 81 20 may 2024 9:00 pm

Typical heavy spicy peat from Ardbeg on the nose. There is not much noticeable on the nose of the port. Yes, it is sweet and spicy, but port cask? Speculoos, dark brown bread, sourdough. Better than Ardbeg 10? Absolutely not Better than Ardbeg Corry? Absolutely not Better than Ardbeg Uigge? Absolutely not (not my favorite.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	82	Fine, I like the Ardbeg profile on the nose, it is certainly there. Something special? Something SPECTACULAR? No Unfortunately.
Вкус	83	Quite nice in itself. It doesn't really do anything wrong. Exceptional? SPECTACULAR? No. Too simple for me.
Финиш	78	Sad. Short. It makes me a little sad. You just expect more for €120

BWI Expert Junior 87 25 may 2024 7:00 pm

Let it live in the glass before tasting it. The first nose reveals vegetal peat and floral notes. Then the smoke gradually sets in with aromas of leather and a touch of mint. Lively and very aromatic. The palate is fatty, oily with sweet, smoky peat, salinity, dark chocolate, eucalyptus and candied fruit. The finish is quite persistent, salted butter caramel and ash. Leather and ash glass background. I really like this association between the bourbon barrel and the port barrel. I prefer it to the one for Ardbeg day 2023 Heavy vapours.

Georges Connoisseur 87 07 jun 2024 9:27 pm

Binding together smoky sweet with devilish sweet...

RichardPsmith Expert Senior 80 10 jun 2024 7:43 pm

The new Ardbeg Day entices us with the name Spectacular, which can be interpreted as “exciting” or “spectacular”. And these are definitely not the words that come to mind after removing the lid. The influence of port wine could not be found in the aroma even with the knowledge that it should be there. There were a couple of interesting notes on the nose in the form of menthol and leather, and, suddenly, fresh salmon, but this was interrupted by youth with undisguised hints of sour milk and mash. The taste was also not a revelation and differs from the basic Ten in being even more youthful and watery. A short finish with oak and barely noticeable fruitiness draws the line and allows us to conclude that the release is not spectacular at all.

90ClubWhisky Connoisseur 87 10 jun 2024 8:34 pm

Golden color. Slightly oily structure.

нос · вкус · финиш

Нос	86	Dark fruit. Blueberries, blueberries. Peat. Wet peat. Forest aromas. Caramel. Toffee. Salted caramel. Smoke.
Вкус	87	Lots of peat. Smoke. Tar. Asphalt. Forest aromas. Dark berries. Slight oiliness. A pinch of spices. Ginger.
Финиш	87	Peat. Smoke. Tar. Dark berries. Blueberries. Berries. Dessert chocolate. Salt. Quite a long finish.

Klexx Connoisseur 86 14 sep 2024 6:28 pm

нос 86 · вкус 85 · финиш 86

stlouisblues Member Senior 85 19 sep 2024 9:12 pm

нос 86 · вкус 84 · финиш 84

Tim Chan Expert Senior 82 14 oct 2024 2:51 pm

Gasperia Expert Senior 82 12 jan 2025 7:19 pm

нос 82 · вкус 83 · финиш 82

junyvyao Connoisseur 85 25 jan 2025 3:54 pm

Every year is getting worse... Can Dr. Liang be more careful?

нос 85 · вкус 84 · финиш 85

whiskyGG Expert Senior 83 11 apr 2025 12:32 pm

нос 83 · вкус 82 · финиш 83

Оценки по участникам WB

WB 84.5 стандартный WB-рейтинг; собрано 538 наблюдений (406 с экспертными ролями)

снимок #15117 · статус complete · собран 2026-09-13T21:49:25+00:00 · сверено: строки сходятся с объявленным числом · ожидалось 538, фактических строк 538, сохранено 538

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Бутылка	Цена	WB рейтинг	Регион / дистиллерия	Скидка	WA медиана	vs WA	Fair€	vs fair	Маркет WB	vs маркет	Наличие	Тип / объём	Магазин	WB связь
Ardbeg Spectacular 46% ABV Port + exBourbon Whiskybase 70 cl	104.90 €	WB 84.5 538 оц. собр. 538/538	islayardbeg	—	80.14 € 78.94 €–84.19 € · 3 из 66	-30.9%	72.00 €	-45.7%	89.00 €	-17.9%	в наличии склад: 4	—70 cl	Fine-Whisky	WB #254888 не подтверждено (не exact)
Ardbeg Spectacular 46% ABV Port + exBourbon Whiskybase 70 cl	119.90 €	WB 84.5 538 оц. собр. 538/538	—Ardbeg	—	88.75 € 87.42 €–93.24 € · 3 из 66	-35.1%	72.00 €	-66.5%	89.00 €	-34.7%	в наличии	single malt whisky70 cl	DeliaWhisky	WB #254888 не подтверждено (не exact)
Ardbeg Spectacular 46% ABV Port + exBourbon Whiskybase ≈70 cl объём оценён источником	129 €	WB 84.5 538 оц. собр. 538/538	IslayArdbeg	—	88.75 € 87.42 €–93.24 € · 3 из 66	-45.4%	72.00 €	-79.2%	89.00 €	-44.9%	в наличии	Whisky≈70 cl	Whisky Agents	WB #254888 не подтверждено (не exact)