Ardbeg Grooves - 70cl

Ardbeg Grooves – Limited Edition
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | 2018 | 70cl
Released to mark Ardbeg Day 2018, Grooves is one of the distillery's more adventurous expressions — and the story behind it is as distinctive as the whisky itself. A portion of the liquid was aged in heavily charred red wine casks, the scorching so intense it carved literal grooves into the wood's interior, unlocking an unusual depth of flavour rarely found in Ardbeg's lineup. The retro 1960s-inspired branding sets the tone perfectly: this is a whisky built around the spirit of 'Peat and Love.'
Colour: A warm reddish-orange, reminiscent of a North African spice blend.
Nose: The first impression is bold — smoked cinnamon and paprika lead the way, joined by aged leather and saddle soap. Classic Ardbeg DNA emerges underneath: pine resin, tar, and a salt-laden coastal breeze. There's a faint echo of a driftwood fire burning near the shoreline, followed by an intriguing savoury edge, almost like chilli-rubbed cured meat. A few drops of water unlock a softer, more unexpected side: floral lavender, ground white pepper, fresh coriander, and a whisper of mint.
Palate: Opens with a bold, briny character before giving way to sweeter territory — treacle toffee, vanilla popcorn, and salt-kissed stone fruit. Smoky BBQ notes surface alongside paprika and mustard heat, before the whole thing mellows into a haze of smoked pear and apple, almost reminiscent of a lightly peated pear cider.
Finish: Warm and lingering, with smoked paprika and fading bonfire embers carrying a gentle undercurrent of sweetness to the very end.