ARDBEG BIZARREBQ...is this WHISKY any GOOD (FULL REVIEW) 

Usually these Ardbeg special releases are very expensive, way too expensive for me. I saw this one in the store for $85, so I went for it. After I opened it and tried it, I went and I bought another one, that’s how much I liked it. Now, I don’t have the gift, I won’t be able to name every flavor and nuance in this whisky, but I think that if you’re an Ardbeg purist who feels like all Ardbegs should be like the 10, you probably won’t like this one. Otherwise, the Bizarrebq is absolutely delicious and worth every penny!

I loved BIZARREBQ and I have an extra one on my bar! It was worth every penny! Delicious! Love your video Alan! Cheers!

Bought it when it came out. Keeped it closed thinking i liked the uige a little more. Opened it a few weeks ago for a tasting with our club. Like it didn't beat Kilkerran 16 and aglen scotia single cask that evening. Glad i opened it and shared it, not worth to keep hold of it and sell it for later haha. Just for sipping or sharing.

There aren't many reviews of this so I'm glad you did one. I have to declare, upfront, that I really couldn't see any reason to justify buying this bottle and I've still yet to taste it. Like you, I expect I would really love the stuff but I just can't justify the price. It's Ardbeg taking the piss yet again. Imagine mixing the casks and abv of Ugi and An Oa but it still costs more than either of them. WHY? Charred oak casks at a whisky distillery? Whatever next. The 8 year old 'For Discussion' has a 8 year age statement and that still costs less than BizarreBQ. The problem is Ardbeg have boxed themselves in with regards to the prices of their expressions. They very intelligently found room for the 5 year Wee Beastie. That's pretty much the lowest price they can go but even that has crept up to £40 a bottle. The 10 is always going to have to cost more than that to justify itself and it's also Ardbeg's benchmark expression. After that it's NAS, a good story and a lot of unquestioning enthusiasts. If they put an age statement on this bottle it call into question their entire pricing policy and that's the problem with most of Ardbeg's output now. That's why we have to entertain the ridiculous prices and stupid stories that accompany the annual Day releases. It worked for a while, when we all had a bit more money and everyone had to buy a bottle, before the next person did, but isn't that all a bit old and tired now? This was meant to be a Distillery Visit expression but it's on general (Limited Edition) sale. I joined Ardbeg Committee to buy the 'For Discussion' expression because that was 'Limited' to Committee members only but here we are, yet again, it's on general release. Same is true of all the Day releases. I just had a look on MOM and there's tons of limited edition Ardbeg NAS. Ardbeg aren't playing straight with their fans and overcharging most of their product range because they think they can get away with it. Its 'whacky' but slick marketing belies the fact that Ardbeg is owned by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH) holding company. In 2023 LVMH became the first European company to exceed a $500 billion valuation (WIKI). They specialise in luxury brands and Ardbeg is no different. You don't just pay for the whisky; You pay for the brand and lifestyle image. Excuse my lecture Al. It's not really a rant but my perception of Ardbeg. When all is said and done my two favourite expressions are the two age statements - 5 and 10. I can see what I'm paying for and equate that to value. I can't do that with the BizzareBQ. My head is telling me I shouldn't be spending a penny more than £60 unless Ardbeg give me a good reason. The delicious Benromach Peat Smoke Sherry gives me that information and it's £20 cheaper. The same is true for Laphroaig 10 Sherry, Kilchoman and even good old Lagavulin 16. Cheers. WT

Nice one Alan! This is one of the best Ardbegs out there in my opinion. Straightforward sweet bonfire and I found it at 63pounds. Glad you liked it, delicious dram!

I'am doing same "responsibly" and there's an ambulance just outside the kitchen door. Jus in case.

Thanks for reviewing Alan Have tried a sample, but was too sherried for my liking. Slàinte mhath

Sick of sherried whisky, but it’s Ardbeg and I might have to get it. Later: can’t find it for less than $149.99, nope.

Been sitting on the fence about this one, but usually if you rate something it resonates with me too

Just ordered 2 more!! 🙂

Do like this one.

Only had the 10 year (dont really like) and the Uigedial ( love the stuff)...............how does this compare? cheers.....was looking at the Corryvreken next but maybe ill look for this?

I bought four of them..... Probably be able to sell them and buy a new car in 10 years' time.

I am about to get one