Ardbeg Hypernova Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Ardbeg Hypernova Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the 2022 Committee exclusive that pushed the old Supernova idea past anything Ardbeg had bottled. Phenols on the malt were taken beyond 170 parts per million, against about 50 on a standard Ardbeg, so the smoke stays tarry and blunt instead of opening into lemon and pepper. Master blender Gillian Macdonald says it matured in American oak, with no age statement, and it was bottled at 102 proof without chill filtration. Whisky Advocate reported it would stay with Committee members rather than follow other special releases onto the open market.

Official notes lead with tar, sea salt, and a barnyard edge, then blackcurrant and peppermint; water brings lavender, dark chocolate, and a strange streak of plasticine and burnt rubber. The palate is peppery and full: sweet chocolate, cooling mint, peat smoke, bitter almond, aniseed, and clove. The finish drops into heavy smoke, roasted coffee, and smoked heather. Slowdrink called the late palate a peated mocha that stays deep without turning sharp, and Two Whisky Bros found an oily body that coats the mouth with dirty peat, liquorice, and seawater.