My wife likes the aroma of Corryvrecken, she says it smells like a meadow.  I do agree and think it reminds me of cut grass in the summertime.  This is an amazing tasting scotch.  In general Ardbeg is on the peaty smoky medicinal side of the spectrum so it’s kind of a sure thing that I’d like it.  The flavor of Corryvrecken is not quite like the Ardbeg 10 year I reviewed earlier.  Perhaps not surprisingly it’s flavor is similar to Lagavulin 16.  However, there are differences.  Lagavulin is strong and smooth, amazing.  Corryvrecken strong and stronger.

The nose is, as I said, like fresh cut grass, a little smoky too but actually fresh.  I recall saying this about Ardbeg 10 year.  This is an interesting feature of Ardbeg, whereas other’s in this flavor group are musty, and heavy Corryvrecken is almost refreshing!  There are hints of salt, brine and smoke but a meadow is the scent that dominates.  The taste is straight salty smoky peat.  Not musty, no old books or leather.  Very nice indeed.  When I want just this flavor and not messing around this is the medicine.  I’d have to say that my favorite in the under $100 category is a tie between Lagavulin 16 and Ardbeg Corryvrecken.

copyright 2014 David R Bergman