Ardbeg 19 Year Old Traigh Bhan Batch 3

Inspired by the Singing Sands of Islay, this rare, small batch 19 Year Old Ardbeg reveals a burst of sweet, scented wood smoke billows, mingled with hints of sea-spray, as if carried on a breath of wind along a shoreline. Wisps of pine resin, aniseed toffee and a suggestion of flowering lilies follow on a breeze. Citrus zest and a touch of a cayenne pepper flood in. A sudden splash of water brings forth floral waxy notes along with charcoal and fish oil, and finally a drop of classic Sherry and linseed oil. To Taste it is a tide of rich, sappy texture is followed moments later by classic, sweet, smokiness, with tarry rope and treacle toffee bobbing on the palate. Aniseed twists and soot ripple in a second wave. Smoke is distant now but present, while smoked brown sugar, sugar coated walnuts and gentle spices ebb and flow with a long, unhurried finish carries bitter almonds, linseed oil, clove, pepper and soot in its wake, slowly drifting away.