🔥 Ardbeg Smoketrails Côte Rôtie Edition Review (Duty-Free 1L Exclusive!)
Islay meets the Rhône Valley! We’re diving into the intense and complex flavors of the Ardbeg Smoketrails Côte Rôtie Edition, the sought-after Travel Retail exclusive that marries Ardbeg’s legendary peat with the rich influence of French red wine casks.
This is a deep dive into the 1-Liter bottle, bottled at a bold 46% ABV and non-chill filtered—exactly how a peated icon should be presented. We picked this up at Duty Free for ₹7900 (approx. $95 USD). Is this wine-finished Ardbeg a smoky masterpiece or a curious experiment?
Tasting & Specs Summary:
Whisky: Ardbeg Smoketrails – Côte Rôtie Edition
Availability: Duty-Free / Travel Retail Exclusive (1 Litre Bottle)
Strength: 46% ABV
Filtration: Non-Chill Filtered (NCF)
Cask Type: Matured in Ex-Bourbon and highly-prized Côte Rôtie Wine Casks (from the Northern Rhône region of France).
Price Paid: ₹7900
Flavour Profile Highlights:
Prepare for a sensory journey as we explore the unique notes in this expression:
Smoke & Meat: The classic medicinal Ardbeg smoke is here, but layered with notes of grilled bacon and smoky, charred sweetness.
Fruit & Spice: A clear red wine influence delivers hints of ripe fruits and smoked cranberries, adding a fruity complexity against the peat.
Unique Depth: We break down the intriguing secondary notes of leather, menthol, and dark chocolate that make this whisky so complex.
Value Verdict: Is the 1L format and exclusive cask finish worth the premium price tag of ₹7900?
Do you prefer classic Ardbeg or these wine-cask adventures? Let me know in the comments below!
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Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Bottle Unboxing
1:20 Price & Duty-Free Availability
2:45 Nose: Aromatics and First Impressions
4:30 Palate: Taste & Mouthfeel Breakdown
6:00 The Wine Cask Influence: Côte Rôtie vs. Classic Ardbeg
8:15 Finish & Final Verdict
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