NV Ardbeg - Ardbog (52.1%)

<strong>Colour</strong>: Deep ochre.<br><br><strong>Nose</strong>: Pecan nuts, fudge, leather and a whiff of lavender and violets. Aromatic smoke, with salty Iberico ham and olives. With water, smoked rhubarb, aged balsamic vinegar and salty, 'graphite' notes. <br><br><strong>Taste</strong>: Oily/tingly mouthfeel leads to salty, savoury cashews, peanuts, clove, aniseed flavoured toffee, green olives and a curious hint of anchovy. <br><br><strong>Finish</strong>: Long and lingering with maple syrup sweetness kept in check by oak tannins, clove and coffee grounds. <br><br><strong>Awards</strong>: Gold – Islay Single Malt No Age Statement – 2014, World Whiskies Awards.

The follow-up to last year’s Ardbeg Day, here’s the cult distillery in its funkiest guise with a nose that’s reminiscent (I’d imagine) of a frontier trading post: all pitch, furs, and gun oil. Some mint hangs around in the background alongside eucalyptus. This is an earthy, in-your-face Ardbeg with a hint of box-fresh sneakers indicating some youthfulness. The mouth is thick and chewy: wild mint, oily depths, and the slightly manic energy typical of Ardbeg’s young years. Editor's Choice. Autumn 2013, Dave Broom, www.whiskyadvocate.com