Ardbeg Scorch Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Ardbeg Scorch is the 2021 annual special release from Ardbeg Distillery — an Islay single malt comprised entirely of stocks aged exclusively in the distillery’s most heavily charred casks, matured in Dunnage Warehouse #3, presenting a deep amber colour and the intensely scorched, dark, and complex character that Ardbeg’s most heavily charred barrels produce.

Ardbeg’s dunnage warehouses are the traditional low, stone-floored earthen warehouses that maintain the cool, damp Islay climate conditions throughout the maturation period. Warehouse #3’s specific environmental conditions and the most heavily charred cask selection combine to produce the deep, scorched character that gives the 2021 annual release its name. The heavy char creates a particularly active caramelised layer of sugars and compounds at the stave surface that imparts deep, dark, and intense character alongside the characteristic Ardbeg Islay peat smoke. Note: this is the standard (non-Committee) release, not the 2021 Committee Release cask strength version. Browse the full Scotch whisky collection at Wooden Cork.

Specs

• Distillery: Ardbeg, Port Ellen, Islay (est. 1815)
• Region: Islay, Scotland
• Release: 2021 Annual Release
• Production: Aged exclusively in Ardbeg’s most heavily charred casks, Dunnage Warehouse #3
• Note: Standard release (not the Committee Release cask strength version)
• ABV: 46%
• Size: 750ml

Frequently Asked Questions

What does heavy charring do to a whisky cask?

Heavy charring creates a thicker layer of carbonised wood on the interior stave surface, with a deeper caramelised sugar layer beneath. This produces more intense extraction of vanilla, caramel, and woody spice compounds, and the carbonised layer acts as a filter for unwanted compounds. Ardbeg’s most heavily charred casks amplify this effect further than standard charring levels, creating the particularly scorched and deep character of this release. Order online with fast shipping.