#WhiskyInSV

In episode 41 of Whisky in SV, I opened and reviewed the latest Ardbeg special release, the Anamorphic Committee Release. Actually, apparently this was released in early 2023, but for some reason, I was not aware of it at all and I could not find any reviews on KZbin, so I assume it was not widely advertised. As usual, FOMO got the better of me when our local store ​@klwines suddenly listed 6 of them for a small fortune and I just had to try it. This time, I wised up and split the bottle with two friends to make it more affordable. This episode is a review of this whisky along with comparison with an Ardbeg 10 Year from 2016, and yet another special release from this year: the Ardbeg Bizarrebq. More interestingly - at least to me - this episode turned into a bit of a rant about Ardbeg limited editions and frankly how I need to stop wasting money on them because, for the same doll hairs, there is much better whiskey to be had. #whiskyinsv

[@whiskywhereabouts]

Nice breakdown. So instructive to contextualize these releases. Cheers!

[@Quercus52]

Thanks for your comparison of these Ardbegs and thoughts about whisky prices.

[@duncs3850]

Collect from a distillery focused on making great integrity produce, not MacAllan, not Diageo, not Ardbeg, not Kurizawa. Consider collecting Benromach single casks or Arran single cask

[@canahmet8214]

I'm exactly the same. I've been buying two bottles of everything. The Anamorphic just came out today in the UK.

[@simcoe-]

Thanks for the honest review. I myself stopped buying these special releases (apart from the BizarreBQ - which I think is great and fair priced). The Heavy Vapours bottle you got on your desk was a massive disappointment.

[@Justus-he3mx]

Thank you for the very informative video and best regards from Germany to the USA. In our country, the new Ardbeg will not be released until November 7. Since all the prices you mentioned were comparable to the prices here in Germany, I fear a completely overpriced Ardbeg here as well. I am also in the situation that I no longer get my whiskeys drunk to the end of my life. Our heirs will be pleased. I only buy bottles that are really good and sometimes two of them. On special occasions, a new bottle is then sometimes opened alone or with friends. Until then, I enjoy the thought that I will open them at some point. Love greetings to the USA. I'm already looking forward to your next video gladly again with a comparison.

[@whiskyinsv]

cheers!

[@chriskellas2902]

I think the Ardbeg core range is hard to beat, I'll take a corry or ugi over any committee release any day, and for much cheaper.

[@whiskyinsv]

Agreed

[@lightplays2181]

Good review , like . Ardber is my favorite ) Cheers !

[@paingphyotun]

thanks for the honest review, definitely needed this review like you said, especially their prices are going crazy and complexity of new products is become lower.

[@whiskyinsv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sonicology]

Ardbeg 10 was the first bottle of whisky I ever bought, all the way back in 2001 when I was a student in Edinburgh. It's still my favourite. I agree however that the regular "special releases" have gone too far; it used to be that we got one no-age-statement special per yer to coincide with Fèis Ìle, and usually a limited run age statement bottle later in the year. Now however, it seems a new "special" is released every couple of months. It dillutes the value of the brand, in my opinion. Having said that, I just purchased a bottle of Anamorphic Committee Release, so I guess I'm part of the problem haha

[@whiskyinsv]

Haha! Let me know if you think it was worth it!

[@warrenhurley4148]

Love Ardbeg whiskies and Dr. Bill Lumsden's passion, alchemy and creativity in distilling these 'committee' and limited releases. The prices though! I've seen this whisky for $215 at Total Wine; at this price point, it's just too expensive for me. I think the BizarreBQ is reasonably priced (around $85) and is a very good whisky. I wish Ardbeg could keep its special release whiskies in this price range.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

It’s great you have friends who will want to split a bottle cost with you. For me my friends said no more. They’re drinking what they got or can get at a value. I’m done with Ardbeg Committee Releases and Special Releases. They’re high on themselves imo and screwing the fan base worse than Macallan.

[@whiskyinsv]

Us too. Last one ever probably

[@christinecamley]

Really interesting! You are kind of obsessed! That's really different from a serious hobby. Unravelling the reasons might be helpful. Addictive/obsessional personalities are complex. I might be mistaken but it seems to be causing some stress for you. I say this with respect and not criticism. Not at all. You certainly have some lovely expressions.

[@whiskyinsv]

LOL, there is probably some truth to what you are saying!

[@christinecamley]

@@whiskyinsv Lol! Hey we all have our issues! Have a terrific day!

[@100puremustard5]

Appreciate the review. I saw this in Santa Rosa a couple days ago for $185. Never even considered buying it 😂 Ardbeg has become a joke. Even Corryvrecken is $120+ now. I'll stick to Laphroaig 10 CS for $80.

[@whiskyinsv]

Laphroaig 10 CS is a solid offering

[@grbadalamenti]

In Italy this is sold for 150 euros.

[@whiskyinsv]

Hinestly i think that is still too much!

[@Alex-qo2nk]

120gbp straight off their site

[@jamwheeler]

I didn't even read the back when I tried mine and I got sooooo much chocolate

[@TheReal_DeanD]

I got the notice from ReserveBar for $210 plus shipping I said no thanks. Just can’t justify it anymore.

[@cobbler88]

That paragraph of BS on the label ALONE makes me want to avoid this one. 🤣

[@whiskyinsv]

Haha

[@TheAldawg77]

Ardbeg are simply just getting too greedy. The liquid is not that great in most cases imo. Far better drams out there for way less $$

[@whiskyinsv]

I agree

[@joeappleton6849]

Ardbeg getting less than more money

[@duncs3850]

When was the last Ardbeg special release actually special or worth the extra money- not for a long time now, they have assumed the niche of banging out variations on the standard 10 with jazzy labels at a higher proof for us fomo morons- no Ardbeg, no. Go back to making whiskies for your lovers, learn to love your own spirit again and not become the MacAllan of Isla

[@whiskyinsv]

Amen