New Release: Ardbeg Official 'Dark Cove' 46.5%

A sweet Ardbeg with a pleasant flavor. Ardbeg ARDBEG OB 'DARK COVE' 46.5% The aroma features sweet sherry, prunes and dates, berry jam, bitter chocolate-coated orange, chlorine and metal, a mix of warmth and coldness, barbecue sauce, tar, sharply strong peat and woodiness reminiscent of a campfire. On the palate, similar to the aroma, it presents jam and dried fruits, chlorine and metal, a rich and slightly sweet taste, a pleasant tannic note like bitter chocolate or coffee, barbecue, woodiness, and strongly smoky peat with a charcoal-like character. [Good/Very Good] This is a new Ardbeg release bottled annually, following last year's bicentennial Perpetuum. This year's version is a darker Ardbeg called 'Dark Cove'. Following the committee-exclusive cask strength (white label), this diluted label was released at Ardbeg Day during the Islay Festival. In Japan, it is already available as an official product. The back label states that it is distilled from a secret spirit matured in dark sherry casks. However, the term 'dark sherry cask' is unfamiliar, and its specifications remain unclear. It gives an image of something sweet yet slightly bitter. The aroma immediately presents a strong sweet sherry character, with concentrated fruitiness from dried fruits like prunes and dates, berry jam, and a pronounced nuance of bitter chocolate. Additionally, there is a cool, metallic note typical of Ardbeg, contrasting with the warmth of the sherry character. A smoky peat reminiscent of a campfire is also detectable, along with subtle hints of barbecue. The flavor profile aligns with the aroma's expectations, showcasing a strong sherry character with rich sweetness and a tannic bitterness that is not unpleasant. The barbecue-like nuance also carries through to the flavor. There's an undeniable cask influence, which might be slightly overwhelming for those who prefer the more natural, unadulterated Ardbeg style like last year's Perpetuum. Perhaps due to my personal preference not being strongly aligned with the current spirit profile, I actually quite like this type of Ardbeg. Over time, I believe the integration with the cask will improve, reducing the cask influence and enhancing the overall quality. I look forward to trying both this diluted version and the higher ABV variant soon.