Ardbeg launches BBQ-inspired whisky
Islay-based Ardbeg has unveiled its first limited edition barbecue-inspired whisky, called Ardbeg BizarreBQ.
Created by the brand’s director of whisky creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, the liquid boasts flavours of smoky barbecue with a ‘meaty, peaty punch’. The creation process was aided by author and DJ Christian Stevenson, also known as DJ BBQ. Lumsden said: “Ardbeg BizarreBQ is certainly a hare-brained idea, but with DJ BBQ’s help I was able to cook up something truly incredible. Puffs of charcoal and soot mingle with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices. "The undeniable smell of bonfire and barbecue embers linger in the background. Deep, warming smoke follows in flame-grilled steak, chilli oil, cured leather and clove. If there’s one Ardbeg you want with you grill-side, it’s this one.” The bottling was developed using experimental cask toasting process, with use of double-charred oak casks, Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks and the distillery’s unique barbecue casks that have been extra-charred on an old-fashioned brazier. Ardbeg BizarreBQ clocks in at 50.9% ABV, and is a single malt that is said to complement both whisky making and barbecuing. “Barbecue lovers and Ardbeg lovers are one and the same – it’s all about the smoke – which is something Ardbeg BizarreBQ has in spades,” added DJ BBQ. “I’ve been on a mission to create and perfect a variety of barbecue dishes and accompanying Ardbeg serves that honour the fundamental laws of smoke, wood and heat for some time. This new limited edition Ardbeg takes this match made in heaven to the next level, and I can’t wait for barbecue and whisky fans to try it.” The distillery has been collaborating with DJ BBQ since 2020. On the nose, the whisky delivers aromas of charcoal and soot mingled with smoky wood and aromatic herbs and spices, while the palate presents flavours of barbecue ribs, ginger, and aniseed. The finish presents a ‘massive, hot aftertaste’ with grilled artichoke and black olives. The whisky will retail for RRP £75 (US$91.76), and will be available from Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay and in Germany from 3 April. It will launch in global markets later this year and in the UK in June. In November last year, the brand created its first travel retail-exclusive whisky series, called Ardbeg Smoketrails.
