Ardbeg Hypernova

Bringing back 2022 Committee Exclusive - 

Possibly the smokiest dram in the world (this one at least) with phenol levels in excess of 170 ppm, Hypernova possesses a malty magnitude never before experienced. This is a brutally smoky dram that radiates flavour in every direction. Undoubtedly Ardbeg’s smokiest spirit, HN22 is a cataclysmic event for the Distillery. It’s big, it’s intense, and it’s pulling palates into a whole new dimension…

Explore notes of pungent peat smoke, aniseed and toasted lavender, while bitter almonds and dark chocolate fuse with curious hints of plasticine and burnt rubber. Descent into a finish that collapses in on itself, before returning to earthy notes of roasted coffee and smoky heather.

French edition. Ex-bourbon casks. ABV 51%. 70cl.

“ALMOST BRUTAL IN ITS INTENSITY”

Colour:

Pale Straw.

Aroma:

Power, pungent, almost brutal in its intensity, with waves of tar, smoke, sea salt and an
almost ‘barnyard’ aroma in the background. There is some restrained fruitiness,
reminiscent of flowering blackcurrants, and very pungent burst of peppermint.

Water releases some more rounded top notes, with a touch of lavender and a chocolaty
sensation, before finally returning to the curious, savoury barnyard smell.

Taste:

An explosive, peppery mouthfeel leads into a most curious juxtaposition of flavours
sweet chocolate, cooling peppermint, pungent peat smoke, bitter almonds, and then a
hugely long, lingering burst of spices like aniseed and clove.

Finish:

The enormous, heavy smoke is always present and even as the aftertaste starts to build,
the aromatic, heathery smoke never fades, it remains right to the very end.