Ardbeg - "Traigh Bhan" 19 Years Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

On the nose, waves of sweet wood smoke and tart crème fraîche lap gently over bold notes of savoury fennel, celeriac and roasted tea leaves. A splash of water releases a gust of fresh seaspray, followed by irresistible aromas of leather, eucalyptus oil and pine.

Ripples turn to torrents as the true nature of this dram emerges. An intensely salty mouthfeel shifts like the tides into soothing medicinal notes. Swells of aniseed pass over the palate, before rich fudge, birch tar and peat smoke crash down wildly. Eventually, savoury and smoke collide in a sharp, intense and satisfyingly long finish.