Ardbeg Auriverdes
This site may have an Ardbeg problem. And let us tell you, that’s the kind of problem you want to have. Ardbeg has made a regular habit of releasing limited offerings every year or so over the past decade. Some are bigger hits than others, but they’re all No Age Statement (NAS) bottlings that each have a unique character. Some get brought into the regular line up, like the Uigeadail, while others remain hallowed and elusive (hello, Ardbog). This year’s name is a tip of the hat to the 2014 World Cup, held in Brazil. Auriverdes means “gold” and “green,” which are the colors of Brazil. Ardbeg claims that the whisky is gold and the bottle is green – also very true. Will this Ardbeg Auriverdes be able to stand tall on the Ardbeg team?
Scapa 16 Year
The Scapa distillery is one of the most northern distilleries in Scotland, located in the Orkney islands. It is also one of the smallest, with only three staff on site (the manager operates out of Speyside, and the distillery itself is part of the Chivas Brothers branch of Pernod Ricard). Sadly, the small staffing means the distillery is closed to the public. The distillery used to be larger and produce several different offerings. Currently, all production goes into making the Scapa 16 that was launched in 2009. What kind of spirit is produced in a land where it is almost always ever-day or ever-night?
Clynelish 14 Year
Located just north of Inverness, Clynelish has been operating at its current location for almost 50 years. Curiously, the distillery provides a great deal of the spirit that is used in Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and only has two commercial products, a Distiller’s Edition and this 14 year offering (there is a “distillery only” bottle available on sight that is cask strength). With such a narrow single malt offering and so much of their output going to blended use, what sort of exploration will this highland malt offer?