Ardbeg Day with Sydney Islay-limpics

NOTE: For Ardbeg Day 2013 check out Ardbog Day in Sydney.

Ardbeg Day global celebrations kicked off in Sydney with a traditional Scottish summer day. Held for the first time outside of Islay in Scotland, Ardbeg committee members and guests celebrated with Islay-limpics and a tasting of the Limited Edition Ardbeg Day Bottling.

Ardbeg Day Sydney Islay-limpics 

Mist and peat greeted guests as they descended the stairs into Aqua Dining in Milson’s Point where they were treated to a selection of tasty canapés and Ardbeg Day Cocktails.

Ardbeg Day Special Bottling

Gaelic Bonsai made with Ardbeg 10yo with yuzu and lemon juice, simple syrup and fresh wasabi root was a light and refreshing cocktail with citrus notes and a hint of smoke. Fire and Ice was a sweeter option with Ardbeg 10yo, pineapple, caramel syrup and citrus. Shortie Salsa gave a gentle kick with Ardbeg 10yo shaken with a home-made jalapeño salsa of pineapple, coriander, sage and mint. Ardbeg 10yo was also available neat, or with a dash of water or ice.

Boris de Vroomen: MD Moët Hennessy Australia & New Zealand

After a welcome by Boris de Vroomen, Managing Director of Moët Hennessy Australia & New Zealand, the Islay-limpics opening ceremony commenced.

Team parade

Team members from the six Ardbeg Embassies* from around the nation paraded a lap around the swimming pool led by bagpipers in Speedos. Synchronised swimmers followed, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House providing a stirring backdrop to the intense competition that lay ahead.

Apart from Sydney starting the global celebrations, it was also the inaugural city to host the Islay-limpics.

Damon Ross-Walker, Brand Manager

Damon Ross-Walker, Brand Manager, led the tasting of the Limited Edition Ardbeg Day Bottling (ABV 56.7%), a whisky that blends two different styles of Ardbeg, a sweet and spicy single malt with a botanical Ardbeg, and left to mature for six months in sherry casks. On the nose, the whisky has classic soot, aniseed, leather and some herbal notes. A little water brings out the menthol character. On the palate, it has a long soft creamy finish and a malty biscuitness.

Islay-limpian winners: World of Whisky of Double Bay

At the medal presentation, World of Whisky of Double Bay stood triumphant after fierce and high quality performances by all embassies in the pool.

The after-party was held at Stitch Bar which offered an Ardbeg Day menu with cocktails and a BLT Burger with a homemade BBQ Ardbeg 10yo sauce.

Ardbeg Day in Sydney was held on Saturday June 2, 2012 at Aqua Dining in Milsons Point.

Photo gallery of the event below: (click on the photo to navigate)

 

* Ardbeg Embassies in Australia: World of Whisky (Sydney), Stitch Bar (Sydney), Baranows Lounge (Victoria), Helvetica Bar (Perth), 1806 (Melbourne), Ferry Road Wine & Beer (Queensland)