Three cask types are married together: Pedro Ximenez casks deliver sweetness, virgin charred oak casks bring spiciness and ex-bourbon casks in high proportion give an even more intense hallmark Ardbeg flavour profile. The whiskies are brought together in a specially designed gathering vat. This results in a whisky of complex contrasts: all the power and intensity of Ardbeg wrapped in an alluring silkiness, at 46.6% and non chill-filtered.

Tasting notes

Aroma: Rounded and subtly smoky (Applewood smoked), with creamy toffee, aniseed, treacle and dates. A curious suggestion of juicy fruits, such as peach and banana. With a drop of water, reminders of Ardbeg’s classic fragrance – lime, pine resin, fennel, saddle soap and tar. A gentle waxiness, like fragrant candle wax, and hints of smoked herbs.

Taste: A smooth, creamy texture leads into a huge syrupy sweetness, flavours of milk chocolate, treacle toffee, aniseed, orange and smoky tea leaves. Gentle, sweet spices (nutmeg & cinnamon), some cigar smoke, and a very unusual flavour of grilled artichokes. Long and sweet, with floral overtones, mint toffee and some gentle malty, biscuity notes.

Finish: Lingering, seductive, gentle yet intense, with flavours of aniseed, hickory and distant subtle smoke

Awards

IWC 2019: Best Single Malt Scotch NAS (No Age Statement) - 1st place

Jim Murray's Whisky Bible: 95,5/100 points