Dram Review: Ardbeg Lord of the Isles

[46.0%・25 Years Old・Official Bottling・Limited Release]

Nose:

Mellow, delightful white fruits laced with faint hints of ash and finely dried coastal peat, some flannel seeds and a subtle layer of burnt oranges to create the depth.  The wood is elegant and soft, whilst the warming bonfire sensation subtly builds, the iodine is restrained and balanced by the French vanilla.

Palate & Finish:

The white fruits fare bright and sublime, crisp apples, lychee, Maraschino cherries, caramelised banana together with some burnt oranges, strawberry lollies forming something truly elegant and complex, with hints of cured ginger and white pepper to even out before the smoke begins to sink in and the dry peat effortlessly takes over.  The oak along with some bitter chocolate and more burnt oranges on the back palate lightly sucks out the moisture.

The dram finishes with sea salt seasoned chocolate as the peat drags on, a tad on the dry side with a hint of menthol

Thoughts:

Ahhh, a seasoned and an immaculately detailed Ardbeg.  The oak cuts in a bit soon, but a beautiful dram nonetheless..

☆☆ [Highly Recommended]

-Nicholas