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.