And here it is the new release from Ardbeg: The Ardbeg Kelpie Committee Release, which is named after a legendary water creature said to live in the sea nearby Ardbeg. These Committee releases are always a big hype and sold out in no time. And although there are very good Ardbegs out there, the last few Committee releases didn’t convince me. But let’s give this new one a try.

This Ardbeg has matured in virgin oaks, from Black Sea region. Bottled at 51,7% ABV.

Ardbeg Kelpie Committee Release tasting notes:

Nose: Peat smoke to start with. This is accompanied by a freshness by lemon. Quite nice actually. Brine. Then a hint of ginger tea. Some eucalyptus or menthol too. Followed by a hint of tar. When adding water, it becomes a bit sweeter.

Taste: There is the peat smoke with the lemons again. A little bit salty. Some marshmellow sweetness on the background. Ginger and some spices, like pepper. With water, it becomes a bit better.

Finish: The finish is mid-long and has hints of liquorice. Lemons. All with a whiff of smoke.

I really liked the nose, but the taste remains behind. Although water improved it a bit. The Kelpie is rather clean and certainly not bad, but there is nothing exciting about it.