Ardbeg unleashes Alligator as its latest special release

Published: 01 June, 2011

Ardbeg is set to release this year's limited edition bottle - Ardbeg Alligator - to the trade on September 1.

Ahead of the launch it is giving members of the Ardbeg Committee, made up of fans of the brand, the chance to taste the new release in a series of special events and tastings, including one held at London's Whisky Exchange in Vinopolis last night.

A series of further tastings are to be held with Committee members throughout the summer at whisky specialist shops, or so-called Ardbeg Embassies, identified as key supporters of the brand.

Ardbeg Alligator is the latest in a long line of experimental whiskies released by Ardbeg and overseen by Dr Bill Lumsden, head of distilling and whisky creation, at Ardbeg's parent company, Glenmorangie.

The Ardbeg Alligator comes from the term "Alligator Charring" used in both bourbon and Scotch whisky industries to describe the method of charring the inside of the oak casks before they are filled with spirit. The burnt wood staves are said to look like alligator's scales.

The Ardbeg Alligator is matured in Level 4 casks, the most intense type of charring possible.

The whisky therefore combines smoky, charcoal, barbecue flavours with the hallmark peat and herbal characteristics of the Ardbeg house style. It has been bottled at 51.2% ABV.

Ardbeg Alligator is to be released from September to customers in the UK, Europe, the US and Asia. The Committee bottling of Ardbeg has gone out at £55 a bottle.

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