Ardbeg has launched Anamorphic, the latest in a series of exclusive whiskies crafted using experimental and extreme cask treatment processes.

Anamorphic has been created by Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation. Dr Lumsden embarked on an experiment with Anamorphic to push the flavour boundaries of cask charring.

After removing the heads from classic Ardbeg bourbon casks, the distillery scored them deeply to expose more wood during the toasting process. The barrels were then charred intensely to a specification called ‘high mocha’, before being filled with Ardbeg spirit.

The result is a multidimensional dram that morphs and shifts between four key elements – the sweet, the smoked, the herbal and the spicy.

Dr Lumsden said: “Our high mocha toasting is what’s responsible for unlocking Ardbeg’s hidden 4D flavour. Aromas of earthy peatiness lead into an Ardbeg from an alternate universe.

“Bittersweet mocha slowly emerges, while fiery chilli chocolate interlocks with floral chrysanthemum and jasmine. As soon as I tasted Anamorphic, I knew the Ardbeg Committee would find it as intriguing as I did. As enigmas wrapped up in conundrums go, this whisky takes Ardbeg to a whole new level!”

The whisky is bottled at 48.2% ABV and only available online for Ardbeg Committee Members, with a very limited number available to buy at the Distillery on Islay. Anamorphic has an RRP of $255.

The Ardbeg Committee was formed in 2000 and is made up of thousands of followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Ardbeg was a victim of the “Whisky Loch” or glut of the 1980s, which saw the distillery close in 1981. It was revived in 1997 when Glenmorangie purchased the distillery and remaining stock. There are currently more than 180,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.

For access to this bottling and more exclusive whiskies, invites to VIP events and news direct from the distillery, those not already in the Committee can sign up for free at ardbegcommittee.com.au.