Inspired by – and exclusively for – that dedicated fanbase, Ardbeg Eureka! was conceived to capture the many taste preferences of the Committee’s thousands of members in a single dram.
In this limited edition’s paradoxically complex flavours of dark chocolate, cinnamon, briny seaweed and smoke, Ardbeg’s whisky creators believe they have cracked in a eureka moment, hence the name.
A quarter-century ago, after Ardbeg was saved from the brink of extinction, a few committed enthusiasts formed the Ardbeg Committee.
Its mission was to prevent the doors of the Islay Distillery from ever closing again. Ever since, its membership (now 200,000-strong) have endlessly debated the ins and outs of the whisky they revere as ‘the ultimate Islay single malt.’
Recognising the zeal of the Committee’s deliberations, Ardbeg’s whisky creators asked a select group to a hidden corner of the Distillery on Ardbeg Day 2023, to take part in an experiment named operation smokescreen.
At the event, 100 members from 15 different countries, a cross-section of Ardbeg’s diverse, global fanbase, tasted and discussed five extreme (and secret) examples of Ardbeg.
Then Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s director of whisky creation, and master blender Gillian Macdonald took the findings back to their sensory laboratory, challenging themselves to craft a bottling representing the Committee’s multi-faceted preferences.
After months of experimentation, the pair skilfully combined whisky aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks with roasted malt spirit matured in bourbon casks in a uniquely complex dram.
Tasting notes include: salted crispy seaweed and sweet cinnamon, dark-chocolate-coated raisins and burning embers, reflecting the Committee’s eclectic tastes.
Thrilled to have succeeded in their experiment, they named their creation Ardbeg Eureka!
Gillian said: “Operation Smokescreen was a brilliant opportunity to get inside the minds of the Ardbeg Committee – and has inspired our most bespoke Committee bottling yet.
“With its medley of flavours, from cherries and red apples to briny seaweed and bonfires, topped with cinnamon and raisin fudge, Ardbeg Eureka! is packed with a variety of flavours, inspired by our eclectic group of Committee members’ tastes, who are united by their love of Ardbeg’s smokey and fruity balance.
“There was a real eureka moment when, after countless experiments, Dr Bill and I landed upon the perfect recipe.”
Committee chair and Ardbeg distillery visitor centre manager Jackie Thomson said: “The Committee have been the lifeblood of Ardbeg for a quarter of a century – you won’t find a more passionate bunch of smoky malt lovers anywhere else.
"Ardbeg Eureka! is an exuberant reward for our members’ dedication. Slàinte mhath to 25 years of the Ardbeg Committee!”
Ardbeg Eureka! is available exclusively to Committee members on Ardbeg.com from 27 February priced at £72. For those intrepid enough to venture to the distillery, a small number of bottles will be available to buy in person.
To play a part in the distillery’s future and keep up to date with all things Ardbeg, smoky malt whisky fans can join the Ardbeg Committee at the Ardbeg website.
