Sweetness and smoke. Elegant and balanced, and just at the right level of richness that you could drink it all night. The finish is lasting and full-flavored, but at a sort of medium-level of intensity that gives this whisky a feeling of refinement. Absolutely delicious and a great counterpoint to something like Lagavulin 21 -- while both are an "A" to me, this one shows how a peated whisky can be outstanding without the hit-by-a-bus onslaught of smoke. Yum yum yum!!!
RETASTE JUNE 2010: Completely delicious, but probably much more of an A-. Will revise rating/review upon further tasting as we've still got this bottle in the reserves.
I had this at a party at Ardbeg. The best they had, by far. Still my favorite Ardbeg to date. Less peat than most Ardbegs, the sweetness takes more of the stage, and some of the wood comes through. One that spoils you -- nothing else can compare. So easy to drink, but so refined it demands you savor it.
Awwwww yeahhhhhhhhh. 241 pounds of pudding. (That means I really like it. And yes I realize this is a totally useless review if you want to know what this tastes like. Please see the reviews of the more serious gents above.)
Retaste June 2010: Has a whisp of the old style farmy garage profile (which a really like) of the Ardbeg 30 year, but just hints, and overall is very delicate. Traces of mint.
N: Grain and floral notes with medium peat level. White pepper, brine and seaweed and a citrus kick.
P: Toned down soft peat. Some sweetness and dry ferric notes of oolong and pu er tea. The brine jumps out mid palate and sticks. Finishes with lemon peel
N: very light and subtle nose of old leather bound books, vanilla malt, and springtime grass.
T: unusual initial flavour of burnt/smokey lime peel. Dry leather and a subtle sweetness. Changes to burnt paper and salted dried prune. Very delicate and citrusy.
Bonus for uniqueness but I would have never guessed this was an Ardbeg. Very light peat and very citrus. [B. leaning towards B+]
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