The Islay-based Ardbeg brand has released Ardbeg BizarreBQ, a limited edition whisky with a barbeque theme.
Dr. William Lumsden, the company's head of whisky creation, claims that the liquid has smokey barbecue flavours and a "meaty, peaty punch." Christian Stevenson, a DJ and author also known as DJ BBQ, assisted in the development process.
“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.” ~ Dr. William Lumsden
Ardbeg BizarreBBQ Information:
Casks
The casks for Ardbeg BizarreBQ include double-charred oak barrels, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, and the distillery's special BBQ casks that have been extra-charred on an antique brazier using an experimental cask toasting procedure. This barrel mix creates a flavour that is sweet, tart, and smokey, making it ideal for grilling.
ABV
This Limited-Edition whisky, which was bottled at 50.9% ABV, was inspired by the Islay Distillery's ongoing partnership with DJ BBQ, which started in 2020. Dr. Bill and DJ BBQ are on a journey to develop a unique Single Malt that compliments both whisky-making and barbecuing. Their goal is driven by a common passion with smoke and the savoury possibilities it offers.
Notes
Aromas of smokey wood, fragrant herbs, and spices mix with those of charcoal and soot in the nose. Ginger, anise, and flavours of grilled ribs are all present on the palate. A "massive, spicy aftertaste" with grilled artichokes and black olives is presented towards the finish.
“Barbecue lovers and Ardbeg lovers are one and the same – it’s all about the smoke – which is something Ardbeg BizarreBQ has in spades. 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.” ~ DJ BBQ
The whisky will be on sale at the Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Center on Islay and in Germany on April 3 for MSRP £75 (US$91.76).
It will debut in June in the UK and on international markets later this year.
About The Collaboration
The well-known whisky distillery and the well-known barbeque specialist have teamed together as DJ BBQ (Christian Stevenson) and Ardbeg. They've collaborated to produce a variety of recipes and movies that highlight the distinct flavour of Ardbeg whisky and demonstrate how it can be used to improve the flavour of different barbecue foods.
In the UK's culinary scene, DJ BBQ is well-known for his love of barbeque and his entertaining style of cooking. The characteristic peaty whiskies from the Scottish distillery Ardbeg, on the other hand, are adored by whisky connoisseurs all over the world.
The collaboration between DJ BBQ and Ardbeg developed from a common love of both the complexity of whisky tastes and the delicacy of barbecue. Together, they have created a collection of dishes fusing the two, utilising Ardbeg whisky in sauces, marinades, and rubs.
Recipes from the collaboration that stand out include Ardbeg Smoked Duck Breast, Ardbeg Pulled Pork Tacos, and Ardbeg Smoked Mackerel Pate. Each recipe emphasises the distinct smokey flavour of Ardbeg whisky, which gives the meals depth and complexity.
DJ BBQ and Ardbeg have also produced a number of films that illustrate how the dishes are prepared as well as the sources of inspiration. The combination of DJ BBQ's contagious passion and Ardbeg's extensive knowledge and experience results in these movies being both educational and entertaining.
Ultimately, the cooperation between DJ BBQ and Ardbeg is a fantastic example of two companies joining together to produce something bigger than the sum of their parts. They have produced a variety of recipes and movies that showcase the best of American barbeque and Scottish whisky by fusing their own characteristics.
About Ardbeg Distillery
The Inner Hebrides of Scotland's island of Islay's southern shore is home to the Ardbeg distillery, a Scotch whisky distillery. John McDougall initially created the distillery in 1815, and since then it has had a long and illustrious history.
The single malt whiskies produced by Ardbeg are recognized for their complexity and depth of taste. They are prepared using traditional distillation techniques and include a peaty and smoky flavour. The distillery is located in an isolated, mountainous region of Islay that is well-known for its unpredictable weather patterns and the distinctive peat bogs that surround it.
The best malted barley is used to make Ardbeg whisky, which is then smoked using peat harvested from the bogs of Islay. The peat smoke gives the barley a smoky flavour, which is then transferred to oak washbacks for mashing and fermentation before being distilled in copper stills.
The distillery has a lengthy and illustrious past that includes both prosperous and unsuccessful eras. Ardbeg was one of Scotland's most well-known and esteemed whiskies in the middle of the 20th century, but financial troubles led the distillery to close its doors in 1981.
Thankfully, Glenmorangie PLC bought the distillery in 1997, and it was renovated to its former splendour. Nowadays, Ardbeg is a single malt whisky that is highly regarded, in demand, and has a devoted fan base throughout the globe.
Visitors are welcome at the open-air Ardbeg Distillery, which provides a variety of tours and tastings for whisky connoisseurs. Guests are welcome to sample some of the distillery's greatest expressions, including the Ardbeg Ten, Uigeadail, and Corryvreckan, as well as learn about the history and manufacturing methods of Ardbeg whisky.
In general, the Ardbeg distillery is a renowned Scottish whisky distillery with a rich history that is well-known for its peaty and smoky single malt whiskies. It is a must-visit location for any whisky enthusiast because of its lengthy history and devoted fanbase.
