A limited edition barbeque-inspired single malt from the Ardbeg distillery on Islay. Ardbeg BizarreBQ was created by director of whisky creation and master distiller, Dr Bill Lumsden, in collaboration with author and DJ Christian Stevenson, also known as DJ BBQ. Matured in a combination of three casks: double charred oak casks, toasted Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, and barbecue casks (heavily charred casks, custom made using an old-fashioned brazier). Non-chillfiltered and bottled at 50.9%.
Nose: Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. Treacle toffee, hickory smoked ham and cinnamon-dusted espresso rise up. Sharp citrus aromas with fennel and aniseed. Grilled artichokes and a suggestion of seared meat.
Palate: Warming smoke follows close behind flame-grilled steak, chilli oil, cured leather and cloves. Ginger, aniseed and tar crackle on the palate with an aromatic woodsmoke edge.
Finish: The hot aftertaste lingers on with more grilled artichoke, black olives and a sooty note that slowly simmers away.