Recent Ardbeg Day releases have drawn diverse critical opinions. While some reviewers have applauded their distinctive features, others have pointed out flaws. These releases are recognised for their innovative methods, such as altering the distillation process to enhance the spirit’s texture, as demonstrated by the 2023 Ardbeg Heavy Vapours. However, some critics argue that these experiments often produce whiskies that feel underdeveloped or imbalanced, despite their intriguing ideas. Certain releases have earned praise for their unique flavour profiles, yet others have been criticised for being overpriced relative to their quality and likely age. To mark the Committee’s 25th anniversary, Ardbeg introduced a more budget-friendly NAS Committee Release, Ardbeg Eureka, whose reception remains to be seen, so let’s see how it fares.
Ardbeg Eureka (2025) Review
Ardbeg Eureka is the latest Non-Age Statement (NAS) release from Ardbeg and the Committee. Crafted from a blend of Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks and roasted malt spirit aged in Bourbon casks, this release was selected by a panel of Committee members in 2023. Bottled at the end of 2024 at 52.2% ABV, it is non-chill filtered and free from added colouring.
The number of bottles released remains undisclosed, but this year’s offering is more reasonably priced: £72 in the UK (currently sold out), €85 in Europe (sold out in Germany, still available in France), and starting at $85 in the US (pre-tax).
Colour:
Chestnut.
Nose:
Neat: Begins with an earthy, mushroom-like aroma, evoking a damp cask that once held young Pedro Ximénez sherry. Notes of soot, tar, naphthalene, and herbal peat mingle with coffee grounds, cocoa powder, heather fire smoke, and tobacco leaves. A subtle herbaceousness lingers in the background, hinting at fennel and mint. The scent is reminiscent of a blend of BBQ and McDonald’s curry sauce, with underlying fruity notes of dark cherries, plums, raisins, and grape juice.
With water: The mushroom notes dissipate, revealing a slightly sweeter and sharper profile.
Palate:
Neat: The initial taste is spicy and smoky, though the mouthfeel is lighter than anticipated for 52.2% ABV. Flavours of salt, dried seaweed, smoked bacon, and burnt toast are prominent. Smoked plums and salted prunes (like that SMWS Ben Nevis, another review I need to write!), complemented by cinnamon, instant coffee, chicory, ginger, and chili… there’s a lot going on.
With water: The mouthfeel becomes creamier, and the smoky notes intensify. Flavours of soot, tar, ashes, and strong espresso coffee dominate, with salt and pepper.
Finish:
Smoky, salty finish, blood orange, really bitter grapefruit, really dark chocolate, quite long.
Comments:
This year, Ardbeg has unveiled a commendable annual release with Ardbeg Eureka, marking a return to fundamentals and a refreshing departure from marketing-driven strategies. This expression not only offers a compelling flavour profile in the glass, but also comes at a reasonable price point, making it accessible to a broader range of enthusiasts. As we look ahead, it is encouraging to hope that Ardbeg will maintain this focus on quality and value, ensuring that future releases continue to satisfy both whisky enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
