Ardbeg has announced the launch of Hypernova, a limited edition, heavily peated single malt Scotch whisky that is an evolution of Ardbeg’s Supernova series.
 
Peated in excess of 170 ppm (parts per million), Ardbeg Hypernova is described as “the smokiest Ardbeg ever” and is bottled NCF (non-chill filtered) at 51% ABV.
 
Tasting:
 
Nose: Powerful, pungent and almost brutal in its intensity, waves of tar, smoke, sea salt and an almost ‘barnyard’ aroma fill the void. Ethereal whispers of fruit, reminiscent of flowering blackcurrants, float into bold bursts of peppermint. Water releases a flurry of more rounded top notes, with a touch of lavender and a slightly chocolaty sensation, before finally arriving at curious hints of plasticine and burnt rubber.
 
Taste: An explosive, peppery mouthfeel launches the palate into a most bizarre juxtaposition of flavors – sweet chocolate, cooling mint, pungent peat smoke, bitter almonds, and then an infinitely long, lingering burst of spices like aniseed and clove.
 
Finish: Descend into a finish that collapses in on itself with enormous, heavy smoke. Before returning to earthy notes of roasted coffee and smoked heather.