Somewhere between Loch Uigeadail, the cosmic Supernova, and the Correyvreckan whirlpool lies a Rollercoaster!

If this sounds like a scene from a fantasy movie, it's not.  It is the latest release from the Ardbeg distillery, noted for their mix of deep Scottish Islay tradition and modern innovation.

Deeply entrenched in the history of Islay over the last 190 years, the Ardbeg distillery is renowned worldwide for its production of deep, complex, smoky whiskies.  Commonly associated with adjectives such as powerful, aggressive, luxurious, phenolic and smouldering, the whiskies produced at Ardbeg have achieved cult status throughout the world, and rightly so.  From their 100 ppm phenol Supernova to the 2009 Whisky of the Year Uigeadail, Ardbeg continues to prove their mastery of the art of whisky making.

Rollercoaster was intended to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the creation of the Ardbeg Committee, established in 2000 to "promote the advancement of general knowledge and enjoyment of Ardbeg".  The exclusive members-only release may also subliminally recognize the emotional ride that the distillery went through during the period of 1981 to 1997, prior to being rescued by Glenmorangie plc.  After having been continually in operation since WWII, the distillery closed its doors in 1981, ran in partial production from 1989-1996, and then finally re-opened in 1997.

Committee membership is free to join and members receive numerous perks as well as being entitled to purchase special committee releases.  Unfortunately, Ardbeg will not ship whisky directly to the US or Canada, and thus members in those countries must rely on other resources for their share of the 3,000 bottles targeted for this market.

Rollercoaster is a vatted whisky utilizing casks from 10 years of distilling.  Interestingly, the oldest cask is from 1997, the year of rebirth.  Bottled at 57.3%, between 12,000 and 15,000 bottles were produced.  Below is a summary of the casks used in the vatting:

While the name certainly does not evoke images of the Scottish island countryside, it certainly describes the trip your senses are about to embark upon.  The Rollercoaster, in atypical fashion, has a nose that is distinctly different from the palate.  The golden straw color and light body belie the potency of what follows.  Powerful and feisty as any Ardbeg, the ride begins with salted fish (kippers, mackerel), smoky peat (less peat, more smoke), and iodine.  A layering of fruit runs undercurrent - apples, pears (showing its youth), then a light caramel sweetness, spice, followed by mint or menthol as the glass is drawn away.

Once upon the palate, the ride continues.  The initial impact is of sharp smokiness, asphalt and charcoal; then a sweetness somehow emerges out of this, full of caramel and vanilla.  All aspects of the tongue are engaged, with the tip and sides tingling as the fruit emerges - first apples and pears, then tart citrus.  Having crested, the flavors roll off into a saltiness, and then there's that mint again.  The finish is long, smoky and peppery as the ride slows to a stop.  And just like any kid in an amusement park, you'll want to ride again.

This time with a drop of water to soften the nose. This exposes more apple and pear, then malt and cereal.  Also softer on the palate, the bitterness subsides and a sweetness shows - vanilla, coconut, apples and pears.  A tart lime makes a minor appearance before the saltiness sets in. Then again, a long smoky finish.

Ardbeg Rollercoaster is indeed typical of the experiential ride associated with their other notable whiskies. The Rollercoaster falls somewhere between Supernova and Correyvreckan in depth and flavor characteristics.  Composing such a blend whiskies is certainly no easy feat, especially with some as young as four years old. But all media hype and critics aside, the true fan will enjoy this whisky as it exhibits genuine Ardbeg character.

Sorry but due to its limited availability here in the US, we do not have a source for purchase that we can link to at this time.