Ardbeg Rollercoaster

[rmcq]

I feel quite privileged that my first post within this network is about a spanking new whisky.

I will depart from standard form and refrain from a detailed description of aromas and tastes, as the whisky is so new I would hate to dampen anyone's preconceived notions about it - we should at least give it a week of freedom!

What I shall do instead is provide a more qualitative description of the whisky.

It is Ardbeg from the get-go - a strong heady aroma with excellent legs. Included in the make-up is some sherry aged spirit, which introduces a touch more colour than I have been used to in Ardbeg expressions.

The high alcohol content guaranteed a bit of a punch in the mouth, but fortunately it was no-where near as horribly overdone as was the case in Supernova. It delivered a very hot feel on the palate to complement some of the flavors found in the 10yo, while not drowning out a few interesting additions.

The finish? Well, I can't help but say it was missing something. After rolling round in my mouth for nearly a minute I expected a smooth yet rough, complex and slightly boorish, 'Ardbeggy' like finish - but it wasn't there. It felt like somebody had eaten the last chocolate in the box - there was a hole where Ardbeg is usually at its best.

So, is it a belting expression of a belting whisky? My answer would be 'Yes, but is it really Ardbeg?'

[pkt77242]

Welcome rmcq, I like your review. You give did a great job of reviewing the whisky without giving away the details.

Sean

[Ganga]

Welcome rmcq. Hm, now I'm curious about the Coaster.

[The Third Dram]

You've certainly peaked my curiosity as well, rmcq.
(Not that it takes a tremendous 'push' for me when it comes to all things 'Ardbeg', mind you.)

And it's great to have you here!

[randall fairbrook]

the nose made chills go up my spine.....

smoke straight away...lemon and wintergreen...??...spicy peppers on the nose....

mouth: hmmm..........pitch...smoke....jalapenos?????...a lively one from ardbeg here....sesame?????.....corn hair....sourdough!!!!!....this just keeps on going!!!!

i am a bit speechless.....
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[hyperfuji]

I just had some, and I must say I really liked this.

It was ardbeg all the way from nose to palate. a briney nose with a lot of herbal notes like fresh young tree leaves with some menthol in it. the smoke and peat is predominant as you take it in but it then rounds out with a herbal/vegetative taste (reminds me of chinese herbal medicine). it just keeps going, some fudge and citrus in there with long herbal and eucalyptus finish

yummy

[Ganga]

Had the Rollercoaster on Monday. It was very interesting. Rollercoaster lives up to its name. The flavors are all over the place.

[Drammed]

Had the Rollercoaster on Monday. It was very interesting. Rollercoaster lives up to its name. The flavors are all over the place.

Is this available all over CA? I so want to get my hands on a couple bottles.

[hyperfuji]

Is this available all over CA? I so want to get my hands on a couple bottles.[/quote]

i haven't seen much around southern cal, hi times and wine and liquor depot are out.

but i get the feeling the rollercoaster may become a regular bottling

[Ganga]

Hi-Times had a bunch but it is my understanding that it is gone now. K&L got short changed so they won't have much, if any. It is a limited release.

[AnnieB]

This is why I love this site!! Thanks all for the insightful previews. I have a bottle arriving from the UK tomorrow (as BC was, once again, not given an allotment!) I am looking forward to comparing notes.

[Drammed]

I sent some of my friends out to look for it in So Cal but no luck so far

[hyperfuji]

I sent some of my friends out to look for it in So Cal but no luck so far

theres a store called mission liqour in pasadena,ca. look there, i think they had 3 bottles left but at $100 instead of the usual $80.

[Ganga]

I haven't checked recently but Mission Liquor took over a store in Glendale as well. Little bit less known so might have some for the late comers.

[Drammed]

Finally was able to track down a bottle with the help of pkt77242. too bad i will not get it until june

[Ardbeg311]

Nothing in Rome yet. But there are still some Corryvreckans on the shelf

[hyperfuji]

Nothing in Rome yet. But there are still some Corryvreckans on the shelf

didnt ardbeg limit the bottles of rollercoaster? its been out for some time now, is it possible you wont be getting it in rome?

[PaulP]

I see old Barry Watt is still up to his old tricks. He has at least four bottles he is trying to punt on a well known auction site for £70. You can get one bottle for £70 or two bottles for £140!!!

I think I'll just get one from Ardbeg themselves if I want another one.

Has he no shame?

[PaulP]

Spotted: Barry at feis ile 2009. Buying Bruichladdich's festival bottling.

http://vimeo.com/4885152

He is on the left at 1min 20

[Spirit of Islay]

Has he no shame?

No because he's actually breaking one of E-bay's rules he's quoted !
This is still available from a retail outlet i.e. the Old Kiln .
BTW the video you posted is of the Kilchoman auction.....
Had a look on the Laddie day one and there was only Duncan on the left hand side !

[PaulP]

Sorry posted the wrong link!

Here is the right link, 1 min 20 on the left.

[PaulP]

Here it is: http://vimeo.com/4854849

Think I need a strong coffee

[Spirit of Islay]

LOL ! We got there eventually.....
Presumably the one on the right is his mate who has nothing what so ever to do with him ?

[PaulP]

No idea about the one on the right but I presume he is one of Barry's henchmen.

There were about 4 of them buying up as many bottles as possible on the first few days. I'll let you know if they are at the festival this year or you could just check ebay about a week later!