Nose: Intense and very rich with notes of golden syrup, gingernut biscuits and tar. Hints of cigar smoke, sultanas, rum and raisin icecream and cherry liqueur chocolates develop, with more than a suggestion of hot wood embers.
Palate: Thick and oily with notes of fresh espresso, hot milk, aniseed and winter spices. Some cloves, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla, leather armchairs and old books. A little icing sugar, and a big whack of fiery peatsmoke.
Finish: Beautiful finish with stewed fruits, plum jam, winter spices and orange zest.
Overall: A most wonderful Ardbeg. Offers little of the classic lime juice flavour, instead it gives up an extraordinary array of winter spices and smoke.