Ardbeg Auriverdes is billed as “whisky of two halves” which, according to Ardbeg means it’s “distilled with equal measures of both skill and passion”. It’s name also has two halves: Auri and Verdes. Ari means gold which is a reference to the color of the whisky while verde (green) is a reference to the color of the bottle the gold liquid goes into.
Released as the annual Ardbeg Day whisky 2 years ago it caused quite an initial splash with fans and I remember people balking at it’s initial release price of $100, but now I can’t seem to find it for anything less than $140. Though because it wasn’t universally enamored it’s auction and specialty store prices haven’t skyrocketed on it like they have on other releases. So if you like it, enjoy the relatively low auction and specialty shop prices now while you can. Sooner than you think that price will be going up.
Ardbeg Auriverdes Review
Distiller: Ardbeg
Age: NAS
ABV: 49.9%
Price: $140
Non-Chill Filtered
Natural Color
Cask Strength
EYE
Amber
NOSE
Peat and sweet oh how I love that combo and when it’s a s’mores like sweetness it’s even more amazing. Followed-up by some smoked meat, vanilla frosting, leather and a light bit of toasted nuts floating on an iodine and cherry compote undertone. It’s pretty awesome stuff.
PALATE
This thing is meaty. Peat and spicy charcuterie pair up with dark chocolate, honey and a malty sweetness. Paired against a lightly wooded background and light notes of grape skins and vanilla it’s a great companion to the aroma.
FINISH
Long, peaty and meaty with light sweet and woody notes.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
The darker notes do take up a lot of room, but all-in-all it has a decent balance, medium body and smooth oily texture.
OVERALL
Ardbeg Auriverdes is a nose full of campfire s’mores with vanilla frosting that gives way to a lightly sweet palate that resembles a honey glazed smoked ham. This is a great everyday drinking whisky that delivers major flavor and aroma alongside a soft warm feeling. Good stuff.
SCORE: 91/100
