During my recent video exploring the phenomenon of the Ardbeg Cult with Mark from Brisbane Whisky Scene, we tasted three whiskies that showcased the distillery’s unique mix of innovation and irreverence. Among them, the one that best captured Ardbeg’s creative spirit was the Ardbeg Blaaack — a release that celebrates the brand’s 20th anniversary of the Ardbeg Committee and pays tribute to its flock of devoted fans.
A Dram to Celebrate the Committee
Released in 2020, Ardbeg Blaaack marked two decades of the Ardbeg Committee — the fan club that’s as close to a whisky cult as you’ll ever find. For the milestone, Ardbeg did something truly unorthodox: it matured the whisky in New Zealand Pinot Noir casks.
It’s a choice that perfectly encapsulates Ardbeg’s personality — a touch of madness, a sense of fun, and a willingness to break from convention. The result? A dram that’s unmistakably Ardbeg, yet unlike anything the distillery had bottled before.
Even the label’s design has that tongue-in-cheek flair, with playful nods to New Zealand sheep and hidden details like the distillery dog tucked into the artwork — a “Where’s Wally?” for whisky lovers.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Pouring Ardbeg Blaaack reveals a rich amber-gold hue — deeper than many of Ardbeg’s standard releases, likely thanks to its time in red wine casks. The colour immediately suggests something more rounded and layered. It’s the kind of dram that glows warmly in the glass, hinting at sweetness before you’ve even lifted it to your nose.
Nose: At first sniff, the familiar Ardbeg DNA leaps out: peat smoke, sea spray, and charred oak. But there’s a twist — an unexpected sweetness and fruitiness that softens the edges. Notes of black cherry, redcurrant, and even a whisper of dark chocolate swirl through the smoke, creating a harmony between land and sea, sweetness and soot.
The Pinot Noir influence adds a gentle wine-like perfume that dances beautifully with the salty, smoky backbone.
Palate: This is where Blaaack truly shines. That signature Ardbeg smokiness arrives first — earthy, campfire-rich, and unapologetically Islay — but it’s quickly met by waves of silky sweetness from the wine casks. Think dark berries, burnt sugar, and a buttery texture that coats the mouth. As the whisky opens up, the interplay between smoke and fruit becomes almost addictive. Beneath the initial peat lies a subtle savoury layer, balancing sweetness with a hint of maritime salt and charred oak. It’s recognisably Ardbeg, yet dressed for a night out — refined, intriguing, and effortlessly stylish.
Finish: Lingering, long and warming, as you’d expect from an Ardbeg of this calibre. The smoke tapers into gentle embers, revealing hints of red wine tannin, cocoa, and a faint touch of brine. It’s a finish that invites contemplation — a dram you could nose for hours after the last sip, with that signature Ardbeg scent still ghosting from the glass.
As Mark noted, even the aroma left behind is “what the distillery is supposed to smell like.” And honestly, I can’t disagree.
The Verdict
Ardbeg Blaaack is more than just a clever anniversary release — it’s a statement of how adventurous the distillery has become since its near-collapse in the 1980s. The Pinot Noir casks add depth and character without overpowering the smoke, resulting in a whisky that feels both celebratory and deeply comforting.
It’s whimsical, yes, but never gimmicky. This is Ardbeg’s showmanship at its best — serious whisky made with a sense of humour.
For Committee members, this release was an instant collector’s item. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that Ardbeg’s genius lies not just in its peat, but in its playfulness.
Final Thoughts
In a world of safe, predictable releases, Ardbeg Blaaack stands out as something daring and distinct. It captures the heart of what makes the Ardbeg Cult (I mean committee) so compelling — the perfect marriage of exceptional whisky and imaginative storytelling.
If Spectacular was the circus, Blaaack is the cabaret: smoky, sultry, and impossible to forget.