Ardbeg Hypernova

We love ourselves some smoky, peaty Ardbeg single malt, and now that fall is upon us it’s all the more reason to imbibe in some of Islay’s best. The distillery has just announced its new limited edition Hypernova, a super-peaty evolution of its Supernova series. At a high peat 170 ppm (parts per million), Hypernova is touted as “the smokiest Ardbeg ever”, which means it’s not for the weak of palate. Non-chill filtered, 51% ABV, and with the kind of intensity that warrants a challenge, Hypernova has sea salt, smoke, earth, tar, peppermint, and even burnt rubber on the nose, followed by peaty smoke, clove, chocolate, black peppery, and mint on the palate. It’s an explosion of flavor with some interesting juxtapositions that can never be called tame. The potent finish ends with smoke and coffee, not a bad way to end. If you’re searching for something truly potent as the chill sets in, this is your whisky. Ardbeg even says it’s experimental, so it’s okay to be just a little afraid.