In November 2007, when a broken boiler threatened six washbacks filled with precious liquid, Dr Bill (Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation) sensed an opportunity. He quickly instructed the Distillery folk to throw open the washback lids and expose the liquid to the air. Tiny beings descended from the sky and landed in the spirit… The ‘Fermutation’ process had begun. An epic 3 week-long fermentation – the longest in Ardbeg’s history – eventually gave rise to this wild, zingy and vibrant spirit.
In a dram that tastes like pure science fiction, peat and smoke meld beautifully with fresh, floral flavours, while sharp, more malty notes give Fermutation a uniquely Ardbeggian profile.
Non chill-filtered at 49.4% ABV.
===
Tasting Notes
Nose: Fresh, floral, herbal & tart. Hints of mixed herbs and cedar wood. Very zesty, vibrant, hints of smoked orange & grapefruit, lots of menthol & peppermint. With water, powerful bursts of diesel oil, tar, fresh paint and aniseed. As this dies down, a memory of freshly cut hay, a touch of silage and the tiniest hint of something savoury, like yeast extract or bread dough.
Palate: A lively, vibrant, sharp, ‘zingy’ texture, leading into very firm, distinctive flavours – malty/biscuit tones, powerful aniseed, cardamon, antiseptic lozenge, sweet mint toffee and cigar ash.
Finish: Finally, a lingering, salty, firm aftertaste of mint, tar, oak tannin & leather.