Ardbeg Corryvreckan Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distillery Background and History

Ardbeg Distillery, founded in 1815 and located on the south coast of Islay, Scotland, is part of LVMH since 2004. Known for producing some of the peatiest malts in the world, its whiskies are strongly influenced by the rugged coastal climate and maritime environment  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Since 2020, Master Distiller Colin Gordon (succeeding Bill Lumsden) has continued Ardbeg’s philosophy: using heavily-peated malt (~50 ppm phenols), traditional copper pot still distillation, and no chill filtration, to highlight bold peat character and balance  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Gently peated malted barley comes from Port Ellen maltings; water is drawn from Loch Uigeadail three miles from the distillery. Yeast is proprietary and fermentation occurs in aromatic Oregon pine washbacks  .

Distillation Process

Double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills (one wash and one spirit still per set; 18,279 L wash / 16,957 L spirit) using a slow distillation to maximize flavor retention  .

Maturation & Cask Information

The NAS Corryvreckan is matured in ex-bourbon barrels with a portion finished in virgin French Limousin oak, which adds depth and spiciness to the intense peat profile  .

Tasting Notes

Rich amber in color. On the nose: tar, creosote, smoky seaweed, dark fruit, blackcurrant, and dark chocolate. The palate offers pepper, espresso, phenols, licorice, walnut, and sea salt. The finish is long, peaty, saline, and spicy ().

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs excellently with smoked meats, strong blue cheese, dark chocolate desserts, oysters, and charcuterie boards—complementing its powerful smoky and savory profile.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Best served neat or with a few drops of water in a Glencairn or tulip glass at 18–20 °C. Let breathe for 10 minutes to open up torbaceous aromas and rich flavors.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once opened, maintain freshness with cool, upright storage. Bottle aging does not significantly develop further but preserves the whisky’s bold character well.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single malt—100 % heavily-peated malted barley (c. 50 ppm phenols) sourced from Port Ellen  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

57.1 % ABV, non‑chill filtered  .

Scores

• 96 – Whisky Advocate (“Single Malt of the Year” 2010 & again 2018) 

• 95 – Whisky Magazine (World’s Best Single Malt, 2010)