ARDBEG 'BizarreBQ' SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
ISLAY SCOTLAND
Why We Love It: The legendary smokiness of Ardbeg just got a whooooole lot smokier, thanks to this single malt inspired by – and totally intended for – backyard barbeques. It's all the qualities we know and love in an Ardbeg, only more so.
The Story: Take the smokiest single malt in the world (that's not an opinion, that's a fact: Ardbeg uses the most phenolic malt in the industry), bring in a legendary pitmaster (Christian Stevenson, known in the barbeque world as DJ BBQ), and set yourself a single directive: to create a smoky, savory single malt that you can drink around the grill.
The Specs: For this task, "director of whisky creation" Bill (Dr. Bill) Lumsden, and consultant Stevenson contrived an unusual process of cask toasting. They used double-charred oak, along with Pedro Ximénez sherry and Ardbeg BBQ casks. But that’s not all. The barrels were also pre-charred, as it were, before filling, having been torched by a brazier. Dr. Bill is the first to acknowledge the wackiness of the project. "Certainly a hare-brained idea," the master says, "but with DJ BBQ’s help I was able to cook up something truly incredible. Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. The undeniable smell of bonfire and BBQ embers linger in the background. Deep, warming smoke follows ... If there’s one Ardbeg you want with you grill-side, it’s this one.”
Our Tasting Notes: To say it's smoky isn't just an understatement – it also doesn't begin to convey the wide varieties of smoke on offer here. On the nose, you'll find aromas of charcoal and roasting espresso beans, along with cinnamon and other warming spices, and an array of woodsy, fall herbs. The palate recreates the intensity, richness and smoke of a juicy, grilled steak, supported by notes of leather, ginger, artichoke, black olives, chili oil, and clove.
ABV: 102 proof.
Fun Fact: Take a look behind the scenes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0sLB3pBNA8 as DJ BBQ joins Dr. Bill at Ardbeg Distillery on Islay to create their celebration of smoke.
What to Pair It With: Grilled steaks, burgers, hot dogs; barbecue ribs; Texas chili; smoked brisket
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured – your single malt will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2023. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in GA, MI, NC, NM, NY, TN, VA, and WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
