Ardbeg Trudernish 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Ardbeg Trudernish has arrived! This 15-year-old is the newest addition to the core range.
I had the privilege of attending a launch event in October with Ardbeg Master Blender Gillian MacDonald, replete with smoky cocktails and a well in the stead of the release’s namesake.
The Trudernish folklore is displayed beautifully on Ardbeg’s website - they have a fun way of blending Illeach cultural effects with Monty Python-esque transitions, and I say that admiringly.
Trudernish is made from Ardbeg’s flagship peated spirit, aged in three types of casks: ex-bourbon, new American oak, and just a few oloroso sherry casks.
Ardbeg isn’t for the faint of heart - it’s the smokiest regular release on Islay, clocking in at 55ppm (above the ~50 of Kilchoman and the ~45 of Laphraoig). Below around a decade or so, that peat smoke is on full blast. After 12-15 years or so, the phenols and creosotes start to mellow - I need to look more into the science of it to understand why.
The Ardbeg style never gave me much “dirt” in the peat, but plenty of woodsmoke, ash, and burnt sugar, surrounded by a feeling that I can only describe as maritime without the salinity. In the Ardbeg Trudernish, that has fully converted to woodsmoke, a roaring bonfire that’s both smoky and cleansing.
Anyone who can impart the flavors of sea salt, vanilla bean ice cream, brownies, and caramels without having the pour go sweet is talented as hell. Gillian clearly took it up a notch here, and I’m thrilled it’s not just a one-off.
Thank you to Ardbeg Distillery/LVMH for the opportunity to taste this product. All opinions are my own.
Ardbeg Trudernish 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Ardbeg Trudernish 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky: Specs
Classification: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Producer: Ardbeg Distillery
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Proof: 97.6º (48.8% ABV)
Age: 15 Years Old
Location: Islay, Scotland
Ardbeg Trudernish 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Price: $84.99
Ardbeg Trudernish 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky: Tasting Notes
Eye: Golden apple juice. Medium rims, thin legs, large teardrops.
Nose: Charred citrus, lemons and limes on a wood grill. Milk chocolate and sea salt caramel ice cream. Mild proof, no overt oak. Petrichor, white pepper, Cow Tails, and confectioner’s sugar.
Palate: Woodsmoke is milder than expected from the nose, black pepper down the center of my tongue. Milk chocolate caramels with a dose of flaky sea salt. Barest proof on the front of my tongue. Bold white wine and aged cognac. Mouthfeel is creamy and oily, hazelnuts toasting, vanilla bean ice cream and mild astringency. Medium-bodied.
Finish: Smoke is all wood, very little peat flavor. Clear white smoke. Dark chocolate brownies, charred herbs, and nut skins. Medium length.
Overall: An excellent opening for the new 15 year old expression in the core lineup. Sea salt caramel, brownies, and vanilla bean ice cream, all while never being sweet. At 15 years, the peat has lost its “dirty” character in favor of woodsmoke and charred pastry edges.
Final Rating: 8.5
10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close
9 | Incredible | Extraordinary
8 | Excellent | Exceptional
7 | Great | Well above average
6 | Very Good | Better than average
5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary
4 | Has promise but needs work
1-3 | Let’s have a conversation
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