Ardbeg Ten, 61.7 %, Committee Exclusive 2026, WB294312

This bottling caused quite an uproar. There are now three entries for the same bottle on Whiskybase, with 124 (+1) reviews and 592 ratings as of 12 June 2026. Like Moses parting the Red Sea, Ardbeg has divided the community into haters and lovers. I am a former lover who tried really hard to become more than just friends, but Ardbeg did everything to keep me at a distance. I just drop by every now and then to say hi. People say, 'We wanted this all along' or 'That's what we've always been waiting for'. Is the waiting over?

Nose: Citrus fruits, mandarin from a tin, smoked sauerkraut, smoked

salmon, chipotle peppers, petrichor – the smell of wet pavement shortly after summer rain, juniper – it's very reminiscent of gin, grilled vegetables such as aubergines, fermented vegetables and kombucha. There's a nearby extinguished campfire – speaking of which, something was on fire a lot. Perhaps there were battles between pirates and the imperial armada, or the battlefield at Culloden shortly after the disaster. The palate is reminiscent of an ashtray, with a strong hint of burnt tired tyres. Of course, there's the first-aid tent with its medicinal and disinfectant smells – it's like eating cigarette ash. Why would anyone drink that? Just kidding — of course it's interesting for peat lovers. But I compared this one with a standard 10-year-old from 10 years ago. The old one is much denser, deeper and richer. The new one is just flat compared to the old ten-year-old bottling.

Finish: Medium-long with a slightly sweet, slightly sharp and spicy finish, reminiscent of chipotle. The peat lingers on the palate with hints of maritime flavours, grains of salt and peppercorns, and a hint of juniper. Was I waiting for something? 'The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.' – Humphrey Bogart

87/86/86