A Rare and Elusive Scotch Allocation Has Arrived
Ardbeg “Grooves” Limited Edition
Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

The ever-popular Limited Edition “Grooves” from Ardbeg is a yearly release that’s another unusual experiment and a throwback to the “Summer of Love.” Back in the late ’60s, the tiny hamlet of Ardbeg thrived on the southern coast of Islay, a de facto commune on a far flung island on the western coast of Scotland. There, a small community enjoyed an alternative lifestyle in one of the world’s most unique locales. It begins with Islay’s most heavily peated whisky. There’s not too much detail about the process, but one assumes they begin with reused American oak. Then the whisky is aged for an undisclosed amount of time in a heavily charred red wine cask. The casks are not cleaned or shaved before charring and the resulting grooved pattern is what gives this special bottling its name.

Similar to the old “Alligator” bottling, the new charred oak paired with the sweet, intensely peated malt is a match made in heaven. Add the caramelized fruit and spice of the red wine casks and you’ve got one of the most exciting and unique Ardbegs yet to be released. Expect big smoke, deep candied apple, and sweet smoked fruit. A totally groovy experiment from our good friends on the south shore.