Smoky whisky described as once in a lifetime event
PROCLAIMING it to be its smokiest whisky ever, Ardbeg has launched Hypernova as an extension of its Supernova series.
Described as having notes of creosote, soot and tar on the nose with flavours including sweet chocolate, peppermint and bitter almonds, the 51% ABV whisky contains phenol levels – the compounds in peated whiskies responsible for their smoky smell and flavour – in excess of 170 parts per million.
To put that in context, Ardbeg’s standard 10 year old bottling – which has its own reputation for peat smoke – weighs in at around 50 parts per million.
Colin Gordon, Ardbeg’s distillery manager, said: “Hypernova turns on the afterburners and hauls our spirit into smoky new depths.
“Highly experimental, this whisky is peaty and intense, with a taste that’s totally surreal.
“This spirit is not just a slice of Ardbeg history, it’s a once in a lifetime event.”
The brand’s director of distilling and whisky creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, said Hypernova is “without a doubt the smokiest Ardbeg ever”.
“We wanted to really push the boundaries this time and boldly go where Ardbeg has never ventured before,” said Lumsden.
“A hypernova is a collapsing star explosion so powerful it threatens the fabric of the galaxy – while I don’t think this whisky will tear a hole in space and time, it’s certainly bursting with fantastically peaty flavour.”
The new expression is available exclusively to members of the Ardbeg Committee, the free membership scheme for fans of the brand. It is now available online for £190 a bottle with a small number of bottles ready to buy in person at the distillery.
The Ardbeg Committee was set up in 2000 with the stated aim of safeguarding the legacy of the brand. It now has more than 165,000 members in over 130 countries.
Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.
