Style: Sherry and Coastal
Nose:
Starts with a hint of smoky honey ham, quickly followed by peat, peppermint and lemon citrus. Then we hit the main rhythm of “darker than milk chocolate”. A bit of malt, some mineral and sea breeze undertone towards the end.
Palate:
Elegant entrance of sweetness and spice. Wonderful mix of chocolate, sugar plum, orange, coffee and floral notes. Light and enterprising texture greatly backed up by the beautifully weighted spice. More chocolate at mid back palate, together with subtle peat smoke, mineral earthiness and salty notes.
Finish:
More peated malt than expected, char oak, dried red fruits and vanilla. A chocolate latte finish.
Thoughts:
Honestly, it is not as “dark” as I thought. Nonetheless it is the flavours that really matters, and it worked out fine for me. I loved the chocolate themed sweetness, I loved the spice keeping the flavours humming. I loved how the balance has been splendidly articulated to make it very enjoyable. An elegant and spirited Ardbeg this is.
✓ [Recommended if you like the style/distillery]
[55% • 2016 Bottled • Non Chill Filtered • Limited Edition • Original Bottling]
-Esmond
WhiskNick 