This came in a set with the standard 10 year and Corryvreckan. I enjoyed the standard one enough that I was looking forward to a different expression. This was enjoyed neat and eventually with 1 ice cube at home on September 25, 2017 alongside a bowl of Borkum Riff Limited Edition 22 - as pictured – though the whisky notes were all taken prior to lighting the pipe to avoid any influence on my palate.
Color: Dark gold.
Nose: Peat, wood, fire, peat/wood on fire. Ice mellows it into fruit, almost buttery.
Taste: A bit hard/harsh; a bit herbal and hot; a bit oaky and peppery; huge peat; less smoky but still a lot; somewhat woody. Loses power with ice, but is “smoother” which is expected given the resultant decrease in ABV.
Finish: Long, fades delightfully.
If you took a campfire and liquefied it, you would have this. This did not disappoint and was more enjoyable than Ardbeg’s standard offering, if not a bit more subject to being in the mood. When I learned I liked peat, I set out to become familiar with what Islay and the Islands have to offer. This one kind of opened my mind to not keep myself restricted to that realm geographically, but seek that flavor profile from all over. The next two whiskies I reviewed after this are from Ireland (you’ll see those if you also follow the world whisky sub) and confirmed my decision to branch beyond just a region (or two) of Scotland..
Score: 85
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