Whisky Names Explained: Ardbeg Corryvreckan

It's time again to explain a whisky name to you. Today in Whisky Names Explained: Ardbeg Corryvreckan. This whisky takes its name from the narrow strait between the islands of Jura and Scarba. This is off the west coast of mainland Scotland!

The name Corryvreckan comes from the Gaelic Coire Bhreacain, which translates to 'kettle of the speckled seas'. But what makes the Corryvreckan whirlpool stand-out? This is due to the strong Atlantic currents and unusual underwater topography, which together create a unique tidal flow in the Corryvreckan channel.

There exist whirlpools, standing waves, and a plethora of other surface effects. Nature is intensely at work! The Corryvreckan is the third largest whirlpool in the world and is located on the northern side of the coast. The tide and inrush from the Firth of Lorne can drive the waters of Corryvreckan to create waves of over nine meters and the roar of the resultant maelstrom can be heard 16 km away. Imagine that!

The Royal Navy doesn't completely classify this area as unnavigable, however, the nearby Grey Dogs and Little Corryvreckan are rated as such. The pilots for the coastal waters of Scotland's west coast describe it as "extremely violent and dangerous" and say that "no ship should attempt this passage without local knowledge". Experienced divers who have explored the waters have described the area as "potentially the most dangerous dive in Britain".

Just as only the bravest souls dare to navigate the Strait of Corryvreckan, the Ardbeg Corryvreckan is not for the faint-hearted. This single malt whisky is known as the most medicinal whisky in the Ardbeg core range. Powerful, with an ABV of 57.1% and simultaneously complex. The Ardbeg team has put together tasting notes:

Ardbeg Corryvreckan is non-chill filtered before bottling and the price for this amazing whisky is around 90 euros to order.